Colchester 10k runners led wrong way by 'rogue' marshal in hi-viz coat

Leading runners of the Colchester 10k were taken by surprise metres into Sunday’s race when they were taken the wrong way at the first junction of the course.

It meant cyclists who were guiding the runners along the road took a wrong turn, with participants turning left onto Circular Road West instead of right.

Runners were eventually led back onto the straight and narrow when cyclists took them along Goojerat Road and onto Drury Road.

James Cracknell, who was one of the cyclists leading the runners, said he had to make a sharp turn when the marshal directed him towards what turned out to be the wrong way.

Volunteer - James Cracknell said most of the runners did not notice the misdirection (Image: Newsquest)

In an email seen by the Gazette, race director Peter Jones apologised to runners for the course being left 49 metres short.

He wrote: “Unfortunately, we did experience an unexpected event which meant that our officially measured course was not followed in one small area at the start of the race.

“A ‘rogue’ volunteer, dressed in hi-viz directed the lead cyclists the wrong way at the first junction of the race.

“No marshal is placed at that point because of the road closure and the lead cyclists know the precise route to follow, but this individual stepped out and directed the cyclists left instead of right.

“Assuming this was an official marshal with valid reasons, the cyclists followed the direction given and quickly reverted back to the course, but unfortunately, the damage was done.”

It is understood Mr Jones is now in contact with national governing body England Athletics to determine whether the 867 finishers will have a legitimate finishing time.

'We shall take every measure we can to prevent such an incident taking place in the future'

Mr Jones told the Gazette the incident is now being investigated so it can be ascertained whether the person who misdirected runners was a genuine marshal or a member of the public.

He said: “The Colchester 10k is one of the major annual community events provided by the four Rotary Clubs of Colchester.

Mistake - a marshal dressed in a hi-viz jacket directed runners left instead of right less than a minute into Sunday's race (Image: Google Street View)

"This year, we had over 1,000 register to run with over 100 volunteers from the Rotary and the Colchester community – we had a fabulous day for the race but unfortunately, an event occurred early in the race which directed the lead riders off the route.

"This is being investigated but it meant that the race itself was 49 metres short of 10k; the runners were informed of the incident the following day and so too was England Athletics.

"The Colchester 10k relies on numerous volunteers who give of their time freely to support the runners and to raise money for a variety of local charities.

"These volunteers are provided with detailed information in advance of the race and in the pre-race briefing they are given an information sheet detailing their responsibilities, emergency contact details and a map highlighting the position where they should stand in the race.

"No marshal was appointed to that first turning as the lead cyclist has years of experience leading our 10k race and knew the direction he should take.

"On this occasion, an unknown person dressed in a hi-viz vest stepped forward and directed the riders left instead of right at the first turning.

"The lead rider had little time to assess the situation and, assuming there might have been an obstruction on the race route, he followed the direction given by the person dressed in hi-viz.

"He then returned to the route at the first possible junction and his quick thinking meant that the runners lost less than 50m through the detour – no athlete was injured as a consequence of this incident, but there will be many disappointed runners who might have thought they had achieved personal best times.

"We are extremely sorry for the upset caused. 

"We shall, of course, take every measure we can to prevent such an incident taking place in the future.

"In the fifteen years since this race was established, the Colchester 10k has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and this year, the Colchester Foodbank will receive a substantial donation from the surplus funds raised.

"I look forward to providing the Colchester Gazette with further celebratory details on the race including number of runners, charity funds raised, and winning athletes as soon as time allows.

"In the meantime, please check our Facebook page for photos and details of next year’s race which takes place on Sunday 11th May."