Runners in the Aviemore Half Marathon and 10K are demanding refunds after a steward's mistake caused them to run only 8 kilometres instead of the full 10K distance. The error occurred when a steward stood in the wrong place, leading participants to miss a turn-off onto the correct route.
The race, which had 700 participants, is a charity event supporting children and adults with disabilities. Organisers have apologised for the blunder, which was noticed only after a second steward phoned to ask where the runners had gone.
Some runners expressed frustration on social media. Steve Mackenzie wrote on the event's Facebook page, calling for refunds of race fees and travel expenses. Campbell Hayden added, 'I think you need to consider refunds. I, like many, were on for a PB. What a farce.'
However, other participants defended the organisers. Debbie Wilson said, 'Bottom line – this run is for charity, people are human and make mistakes – live with it!' Clark Christie donated £20 to the charity directly, criticising those demanding refunds as 'self-important'.
Race director Andrew MacKenzie acknowledged the error, saying, 'It was an unfortunate error on the day, a shortcut near the start turned the 10K into an 8K and that was due to the absence of a marshal.' He added that fewer than 5% of participants had complained, but the organisers would contact all 10K runners individually to make amends.
