Runners demand their cash back after bungling Brighton marathon officials admit course was a third of a mile too LONG – during first event in 18 months

• Participants left fuming as organisers admit the route measured 568m too long
• Some demanded refunds for £65 entry fee after their personal bests affected
• Bosses said they were ‘wholly disappointed’ and ‘hope it hasn’t marred’ event 

Runners today demand their cash back after bungling marathon officials admitted the course was actually a third of a mile too long.

The Brighton Marathon made its comeback this morning after an 18-month gap due to coronavirus restrictions. 

However, participants were left fuming when it emerged the course was not the recognised 26.2 miles in length, but rather some 26.5 miles – meaning the personal best times they were aiming for were affected.

Runners today demand their cash back after bungling marathon officials admitted the course was actually a third of a mile too long

The Brighton Marathon made its comeback this morning after an 18-month gap due to coronavirus restrictions

However, participants were left fuming when it emerged the course was not the recognised 26.2 miles in length, but rather some 26.5 miles – meaning the personal best times they were aiming for were affected

A statement from red-faced organisers today read: ‘We would like to apologise to our marathon participants that the course today has measured 568m too long. 

‘We are wholly disappointed that this has affected our runners & hope that it hasn’t marred the experience, at what has been a fantastic comeback after event after 18 months.’

The admission resulted in some runners demanding a refund, having paid up to £65 to take part in the gruelling run. 

One user tweeted: ‘Considering what you lot charge I’d want my money back!’

Another wrote: ‘Absolutely shocking! Are you going to adjust everyone’s official finish time because of this? It not like it was a only a few meters! It cost me my sub 3:30! (and I’m sure a lot of other people’s PBs and target times were affected!’

A third added: ‘I’m pretty peed off TBH. When I hit 10 mile board at 10. 5 it got in my head that I’d made an error. 3-4 mins is a lot of your going for some PBs. Ruined the race for me.’

The event, which describes itself as ‘an exciting city-centre to seaside marathon’, drew crowds of supporters to the coast to cheer on the runners, while others were able to watch from home via a live stream on the website.

Organisers had also teamed up with environmental campaigners this year to encourage participants to plant a tree instead of receiving an official event T-shirt. 

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