OFF BEAT: Woman competes in 80 foot races while collecting workers comp

A former Florida mail carrier was convicted of health care fraud Tuesday after she competed in dozens of distance running events—including the Boston Marathon—while collecting workers compensation benefits.

Jacquelyn V. Myers, 55, had been placed on "light duty" work assignment after she reportedly suffered a lower back injury in May 2009, according to a statement Wednesday from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. She repeatedly told doctors that her injury had not improved and that she was unable to perform mail-delivery duties.

That did not stop Ms. Myers from running in more than 80 marathons, triathlons, 10K and 5K races in Florida and Georgia, according to the Attorney’s Office. Surveillance photos and videos showed Ms. Myers competing in the 2010 Boston Marathon and running barefoot on gravel in a separate cross-country event.

Ms. Myers faces up to five years in prison for making false statements to obtain workers comp benefits, as well as up to 10 years in prison for health care fraud. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 25.