Mistaken Belfast marathon distance worse than originally estimated

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Organisers of the Belfast marathon say a mistake surrounding the length of the course is even greater than originally thought. 

Runners complained about the route after the May event. 

It's now been confirmed the course was 544 metres too long, not 460 metres as originally stated.

Times have been adjusted to reflect each runner’s average finisher time.

A statement read: "The Belfast City Marathon Management Committee have met with all partners involved with the 38th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon course, held on Sunday 5th May 2019.

"It has been determined from measuring the route taken by marathon runners on Sunday 5th May, that the 2019 marathon course was 544 metres too long, not 460 metres as originally stated."

Times have been adjusted in accordance with each marathon runner’s average finisher time and these are available on the marathon website.

Run Britain “Power of 10” say they're unable to accept the adjusted times and will only accept the finisher times.

Virgin London Marathon have agreed to accept the adjusted times for “Good for Age” qualification. 

Organisers stated "We would sincerely like to apologise for this confusion and thank you for your support and patience on this unfortunate circumstance."

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