Apology to runners for too-long half marathon

Runners who took part in a half marathon have received an apology from organisers after an investigation revealed the event was too long.

Run For All, organisers of the Coventry Half Marathon, said Sunday's event was longer than the intended 13.1 miles (21km) by 512 metres.

The organisers said: "Whilst we don't wish to take away from those achievements, we need to acknowledge that today's half marathon route was longer than 13.1 miles.

"Like you, we are disappointed that this has happened and apologise unreservedly that this has occurred and we take full responsibility for the error."

The organisers' statement went on to explain that an initial investigation found that a turning point was positioned incorrectly by 256m, which resulted in the route being more than half a kilometre longer.

The organisers said those who completed the event would receive an updated finish time from the 13.1-mile point.

They added that runners would also receive an offer of half-price entry for the 2027 event "as a way of apology".

Run For All's statementended by saying: "Whilst we understand this doesn't take away from the error made today, we hope you will join us next year to allow us to right today's wrong.

"Again, we apologise for today's experience, and we will be running a full internal investigation this week to ensure this doesn't take place again at a future Run For All event."

Among those taking part was Maria, who said she realised during the race that something was not right with the distance.

"I knew because my watch was telling me that I was approaching the 21k and yet I was only just sort of coming into the road that takes you down there. I was about still 1k away I think," she said.

"I knew it was much longer than it should be because I was just so tired and I was just really wanting to get to 21k."

She said she was "quite proud" of herself for completing the run, adding: "I was a little sore this morning."

Maria praised the atmosphere on the day: "It was just fantastic - the support, the camaraderie. It was just amazing."

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