Marathon mistake due to 'human error'
Organisers say lead car diverted from route
Last updated 6th May 2019
The organisers of the Belfast marathon have apologised after it emerged the route was a third of a mile too long.
It was blamed on human error after the lead car diverted from the official route.
Runners times are being adjusted to reflect the correct distance.
In a statement, chairman of the Belfast Marathon Organising Committee David Seaton said:
"On behalf of the organising committee, we would like to apologise to competitors of today's race.
"Approximately 460 additional metres were added to the officially measured course of 26.2 miles.
"This was due to human error, with the lead car diverting from the official route.
"I can assure all participants that protocols will be put in place to ensure this never happens again.
"Feedback on the new route has been overwhelmingly positive and we thank the thousands of spectators who lined the route to support 18,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletics.''
Kenyan runners Caroline Jepchirchir and Joel Kositany won.
Kositany finished with a time of in a time of 2.17.09 (beating his 2018 time of 2.23.40).
Eric Koech was second in a time of 2.17.18.
Bernard Rotich arrived in 3rd place with a time of 2.17.22.
Meanwhile, Jepchirchir ran the fastest ever women's time in Belfast.
She crossed the finish line after 2:36:38, smashing the Belfast women's record.
In second place, Shewaye Wolde Meskel 2.35.50 and in third place Vira Ovcharuk in a time of 2.37.13.
For the Marathon Wheelchair Race, Jim Corbett claimed victory in a time of 2.19.21, Karol Doherty finished in second place in 2.33.06.
In third place, James Divin in a time of 2.35.48.
Northern Ireland and Ulster Championship Marathon "local" winners also performed well.
For the men, Jarlath McKenna first in a time of 2.26.18, in second place Vincent McKenna 2.30.41 and Max Travers in third place 2.35.23.
For the local ladies, Gladys Ganiel came in first 2.39.18, Catherine Johnston second in a time of 2.58.21 and Louise Smith third with 2.59.51
The course this year was changed to a faster and flatter route, organisers said.
Around 5,000 people took on the new marathon route, which is an increase of 60% compared to last year.
More than 18,000 participants took part in the event, which was held on Sunday for the first time.