Review to be held into length of new Belfast City Marathon route

Q Newsdesk

The organisers of Belfast City Marathon have apologised following claims the course was 0.4 miles longer than it was supposed to be.

The race's route changed this year starting at Stormont and finishing at Ormeau Park.

After this morning's event, a number of competitors took to social media to raise concerns about the new course's length.

It was also the first time ever the race was held on a Sunday, drawing in 60 per cent more competitors that last year.

In a statement about the mishap, the event organisers admitted there was a discrepany with the course's length and that a full review will be carried out.

Media Release on behalf of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon

Updates will be issued in the coming days via https://t.co/XTHvnLvIgE and on their social channels Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. pic.twitter.com/2Z7Yg8SieG

— BelfastCityMarathon (@marathonbcm) 5 May 2019

It said:

"On 5 May 2019, close to 18,000 participants made history taking part in the 38^thDeep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon on a Sunday for the first time ever including the Marathon Run and Wheelchair Race, Marathon Team Relay, 9 Mile Walk and Fun Run. "  

"This is a record year for the Marathon event with approximately 5,000 taking on the new marathon route. This is an increase over 60% on last year’s figure"

"Event Organisers however are releasing the following statement, having confirmed reports of a discrepancy with the 26.2 mile route length."

"A full review will be conducted and feedback gathered from all partners involved." 

"The Event Organisers wish to congratulate everyone on their run today and appreciate the disappointment of some.  They wish to extend their apologies to all impacted."

PRESS STATEMENT
ISSUED AT 17:00 ON Sunday 5 May 2019 pic.twitter.com/bEEuo65oh8

— BelfastCityMarathon (@marathonbcm) 5 May 2019