Wrong route shambles mars half-marathon

May 22 2008 By Mark Sugden, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THIS year’s Monklands Half Marathon ended in farce after a group of leading runners were sent the wrong way by stewards.

The event, which starts at Drumpellier Country Park, was won by Cambuslang runner Robert Gilroy in a time of one hour, 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

His victory was never in doubt but the group behind him were left fuming when they veered off track forcing many out of the race altogether.

One runner, who was in second place, was looking at beating his personal best time when he ended up nearly a mile from the official route and ended up giving up.

He said: “At about the halfway mark, we hit a junction just out of the park and we just headed straight through.

“There was no signal from stewards to go elsewhere.

“We only realised 10 minutes later that we had run the wrong way and by then it was too late.

“I certainly wasn’t going to win the race but was looking at a really good time, perhaps even a personal best.

“It makes a mockery of the race, to be honest, and makes them look foolish. I was on for a time of around the 1hr 15 mark and the guy that finished second had a time of 1hr 21 minutes.

“To say I’m hacked off is an understatement. I’ve asked for my £15 entry fee back and they’ve said they will send it in post.

“I think a few of the guys have asked for the same. It was a shambles to be honest. It’s a good, quality field and you expect better.”

The event, which is an annual fixture, is organised by North Lanarkshire Council.

A spokesperson said: “Four or five of the runners unfortunately went the wrong way.

“The stewards had pointed in the right direction but there has obviously been some confusion.

“The stewards are all volunteers. We apologised to the runners involved.”

Other than that, the event was another success with a healthy turnout of both spectators and competitors.