Apology to runners for too-long half marathon

Organisers of the Coventry Half Marathon have said they are "disappointed" by the mistake [BBC]

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.

In an email seen by the BBC to competitors, 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 email 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 email ended 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."

The BBC has contacted Run For All for further comment.

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