Children taking part in the 1km kids’ route of the Bournemouth Bay Run ended up only running around 300m as confused marshals sent them back around halfway through
Children taking part in a 1km fun run received an apology when their route was around half the length it was meant to be, thanks to a marshalling mistake.
About 400 of the young athletes were looking forward to running around 600m along the prom in Bournemouth before turning back for the finishing line. However confused marshals along the route sent the children back at the wrong turn, only 200m into the run, instead of continuing along the full route. Parents have now been offered a refund or free entry into next year’s event but have been quick to share their frustration.
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The race cost £6 to enter with pre-booking, or £9 on the day. Dad Dave Warboys said: “There were three marshals standing there who did nothing to direct a group of children running at their fastest with no idea of where to run. It’s hardly surprising it was a farce.”
Michael Akers said: “The marshal, who may as well have been replaced by a cone, failed to provide any instruction and expected seven-year-olds to navigate the course.
“A simple waving of the hand and blocking that turn would’ve worked absolutely fine.”
Candice Wrong added: “Very disappointing experience for the kids. It wasn’t clear where or when the race started, it was too crowded, only 300m and much of that they had to walk as there were so many people.”
Emma Williams said: “It was awful. You couldn’t even hear a proper countdown or barely see the start of the race and they could only run about 200m. Shocking!”
Glynn Barton, chief operations officer at BCP Council, said: “Unfortunately due to some confusion during this morning’s 1Km children’s fun run the participants turned too soon meaning they did not run the full distance. We understand people will be disappointed and would like to apologise to those who took part.
“We are offering a rerun of the 1km children’s fun run at 1pm today and for those who are unable to take part in this, we would like to offer a refund, or free entry to next year’s Bay Run event.
“We would like to thank people for their understanding and for supporting this charity event.”
Around 3,000 runners took part in the half marathon, 10k, 5k and fun run events along the Bournemouth seafront.
Council organisers of the Bournemouth Bay Run have a track record of sending entrants on the wrong route. In 2015, 300 of the 1,200 competitors in the 10km event were mistakenly sent on a 3km detour after a marshal failed to correctly direct the runners.
