Athletics Ireland has issued an apology after people taking part in a major 10km race were reportedly accidentally sent on a route measuring just 8.6km.
The Great Ireland Run was held at Phoenix Park in Dublin on Sunday, and incorporated the National 10k championship.
But it is understood that runners were misdirected and sent on a shorter distance than they had signed up for, with reports saying the course ended up being just 8.6km.
National 10k Statement:
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) April 16, 2023
Athletics Ireland & the event organiser Dublin City Harriers wish to apologise to all participants for the unforeseen circumstances that led to today’s Great Ireland Run being less than the specified distance⤵️https://t.co/G5WzonDy1T pic.twitter.com/yzDL1AojV9
Some runners initially thought they had smashed their own personal records, before realising the mistake.
Ken Finnegan wrote on Twitter: “Was really proud about finishing the Great Ireland 10k run this morning in under 50mins. Then found out a steward made a mistake and we actually only ran 8.6km. Still a personal best.”
Ian McCabe wrote: “(Not so) Great Ireland Run this morning. What should have been a 10k ended up being an 8.6k due to stewards sending people the wrong way Still, the record books will show I pb’d my 10k time and that’s what matters.”
Another runner said: “I was 10 mins ahead of schedule and thought I was a legend!”
Athletics Ireland has issued a statement blaming “unforeseen circumstances” for the mix-up.
Was really proud about finishing the Great Ireland 10k run this morning in under 50mins. Then found out a steward made a mistake and we actually only ran 8.6km. Still a personal best. #TheGreatIreland8.6Run 😅 pic.twitter.com/pp0bTk01x4
— Ken Finnegan 🇮🇪 🏳️🌈 (@KenFinnegan) April 16, 2023
“Athletics Ireland and the event organiser Dublin City Harriers wish to apologise to all participants for the unforeseen circumstances that led to today’s Great Ireland Run (incorporating the national 10k championship) being less than the specified distance,” the governing body said.
“Athletics Ireland will continue to engage with the race organisers on the matter and update national 10k championship participants when further information becomes available.”
Lorraine Underwood, who ran the course with her husband, and brother, was among many others who shared her frustration over the gaffe on Twitter. She branded it “a farce”, saying: “It was really disappointing as it was my brother’s first 10km.”
Jonathan Brazil described it as “a shambles”, while Conor Riordan wrote: “One job to do - measure the course. Many athletes spent a lot of money on hotels etc. Just not good enough.”
Lisa Grimm wrote: “This is nuts! I ended up not signing up for this one since I was busy, but would have been pretty irked!”
