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'High number' of Bath Half runners causes medal shortfall | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Hundreds of runners have been left without medals due to the high number of people crossing the finishing line at the Bath half marathon. | |
A total of 248 entrants failed to be given a medal and t-shirt for finishing the race. | |
Bath Half apologised and said the shortfall was because it did not expect so many to finish. Those who missed out will receive a medal at a later date. | |
Some runners have taken to social media to vent their disappointment. | |
The race normally sells 15,000 tickets, but 3,000 normally drop out of the race due to injury, or fail to turn up on the day. | |
Organisers normally buy in 12,500 medals but 12,748 finished this year's event - more than expected. | |
'Really sorry' | |
One runner tweeted: "How do you run out of medals? - were u not expecting this many people?! (Surely you knew how many entered!!)" | |
Mr Jones, wrote: "Not enough medals for the finishers - shame on you." | |
Belinda West Gallery tweeted: "bath half marathon Appalled that you have run out of medals. Very demoralising." | |
A race spokeswoman said runner's details were taken as they crossed the finishing line so no-one would miss out on getting a medal. | |
They added they would be buying in more to send out but first had to compile all the runners' details which could take a few days. | |
A statement on the website said: "Each year, we get 15,000 entrants to the Bath Half, and normally 3,000 who have entered do not run the race. | |
"We order 12,500 t-shirts and medals - the most finishers we have ever had is 12,100 people - which normally gives more than enough slack. | |
"This year, we have had an astonishing 12,748 finishers and unfortunately therefore there are a small number of people who will not have had a t-shirt and medal at the end of the race. | |
"We're really sorry for any disappointment that this causes and hope this hasn't detracted from your enjoyment of the day." | |
Sunday's race was won by UK athlete Ben Fish with a time of 01:05:16 and the fastest female runner was Ruth Barnes. | Sunday's race was won by UK athlete Ben Fish with a time of 01:05:16 and the fastest female runner was Ruth Barnes. |
It was the first time in several years the event did not attract any elite African entrants. Organisers believe it was because better prize money was being offered elsewhere in Europe. | |
Celebrities who competed in the 36th annual race included actor Will Thorp, broadcaster Sophie Raworth and retired rugby player Lewis Moody MBE. | |
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