Mexico Marathon disqualifies 11,000 of their 30,000 runners after finding THOUSANDS cheated, including using cars and public transport mid-race, by investigating their electronic trackers
Mexico Marathon disqualifies 11,000 of 30,000 runners after discovering THOUSANDS were cheated, including using cars and public transportation midway through the race, by examining their electronic trackers
- The organizers investigated complaints that runners did not complete the course
- The organizers of the Mexico Marathon examined electronic tracking data from the event
- Thousands of runners have previously been disqualified from the annual race
Organizers of the Mexico Marathon reportedly disqualified 11,000 runners after electronic trackers showed participants had failed to complete the full course.
More than 30,000 runners took part in the 40th anniversary edition of the race in Mexico City on August 27.
Mexico Marathon organizers were forced to investigate anonymous post-race complaints from participants.
According to complaints, thousands of runners had not completed the full distance Mark.
Runners were accused of using vehicles and public transportation during the race to shorten the 42.22-mile course.
At the Mexico Marathon, 11,000 runners were reportedly disqualified for not completing the course
More than 30,000 runners appeared at the start of the 40th edition of the marathon on August 27
An investigation using data from the runner’s electronic trackers found that thousands had failed to pass checkpoints on the route.
The Mexico City Sports Institute confirmed it had launched an investigation into the situation.
“The Mexico City Sports Institute informs that it will continue to identify the cases where participants of the XL Mexico City Marathon Telcel 2023 have shown an unsportsmanlike attitude during the event and will have their registration times invalidated,” the statement said.
“This great event not only represents an outstanding celebration for all residents of the capital, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the transcendental values of the sport.”
Several runners have reportedly claimed that their electronic tracker was malfunctioning, not accurately recording their times as they passed the checkpoints.
It is not the first time that the Mexico Marathon has had to disqualify runners for cheating.
Nearly 6,000 runners were disqualified from the 2017 race, with 20 percent of the field failing to complete the full course.
The organizers have annulled the results of another 3,090 runners after the 2018 race.
Organizers found that thousands had not completed the course after examining the tracking data
The Mexico Marathon has World Athletics Gold Label status, the second highest status bestowed by the governing body on road running events.
According to the organizers, the status emphasizes the “quality and professionalism” of events in Latin America.
This year’s elite men’s race was won by Bolivia’s Hector Garibay in 2:08:23, while Kenya’s Celestine Chepchirchir triumphed in the women’s race in 2:27:17.
All finishers of the Mexico Marathon will receive a medal, which this year featured the Latin American Tower of Mexico City.