The 6,000 runners who just completed the Bangkok half-marathon will have a special mention in sporting trivia quizzes for years to come, after they were forced to run an extra four miles to reach the finish line.
Mark Kent, the British ambassador to Thailand, was among those who finished the longest half-marathon in history after a route blunder by organisers.
“Looking back on it now that my legs aren't quite so stiff, I guess it's quite special to have taken part in a piece of sporting trivia history,” he told The Telegraph. “I had a walk on and hobble off part in the world's longest half marathon. Next year I might even try the full one.”
Mr Kent sounded the opening horn for the race, one of four prestigious events – the full marathon, half-marathon and 5km and 10km runs - sponsored by Standard Chartered, the British banking giant.
The mishap occurred as the wrong gate was opened on a main road for the runners to complete a U-turn, some two miles further on than planned.
The organisers have apologised profusely for the mistake and offered all competitors a free commemorative T-shirt bearing the message: “Finisher of 27.6 km”. An actual half-marathon should last 21.1 kms, or about 13 miles.
While the ambassador took the extra miles in his stride, other competitors were less phlegmatic as they complained angrily on social media.
Several competitors reportedly needed serious medical attention at the end of the race.
@Supercords @AsCorrespondent there were quite a few ppl in the medical tent. Luckily I'm just very sore and not injured, esp with my spine.
— Laura Takenaka (@TakenakaLaura) November 16, 2015
There was also widespread frustration that runners in search of personal bests were sabotaged as they timed their race for the standard length, only to have to complete four more miles.
“I will vote with my feet and never again participate in this joke of an event,” bemoaned one.
Others noted that the race should be renamed the “super half-marathon”, or as one Facebook commenter said it could be seen as a by-product of race inflation. “Hey, they increased the price this year, so you get more kilometres for your money,” he said, referring to increased entrance fees.
“The association apologises for the mistake,” said Songrakm Kraison, director of Amazing Field. “It will not happen again in future.”
This is not the first time the half marathon course has been inaccurate. In 2013 during the Bangkok street protests the half marathon course was changed at the last minute, making the total distance only 19.7km.
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét