London Marathon organisers apologised after runner called "fat and slow" by staff
dailystar.co.ukLondon Marathon staff for being too slow, with some even called "fat" as they meandered around the 26.2 mile route. And it all resulted in multiple grovelling apologies and free entries being handed out for the following year.A then record of 42,549 runners had started the iconic race in the English capital, with the atmosphere as usual electric.
However, troubles began when contractors began clearing up the course when many runners, who were on target for a pace of seven and a half hours or slower, were still going.READ NOW: Gutted Mo Farah forced to pull out of London Marathon despite 'extensive treatment'Those struggling felt the wrath of officials, with many publicly voicing their displeasure afterwards at the abuse received.
One was Liz Ayres, who was actually running the course at a specific pace to aid participants.She told the BBC she was goaded with taunts of: "if you weren't so fat, you could run," and "this is a race, not a walk." She also alleged that runners around her were "told to hurry up".The last placed finisher that year was Kerrie Aldridge, from Cardiff, who clocked nine hours, 11 minutes, and 4 seconds - more than seven hours after elite men's winner Eliud Kipchoge crossed the line in 2:02:37.
During her gruelling run, she was "sniggered" at by cruel stewards.Where will you be watching the London Marathon? Let us know in the comments section.Following a flood of complaints though, runners perceived to have received abuse received apologies and free entry into the 2020 event.
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