London marathon impostor pleads guilty to fraud

A LONDON marathon cheat has admitted fraud after stealing a runner’s number and completing the race.

Stanislaw Skupian, 38, crossed the finish line after after running less than two miles with legitimate runner Jake Halliday’s lost number, which he picked up off the floor.

The charge stated Skupian intended to make a gain for himself, “namely a finisher’s medal and other items associated with completing the marathon”. He was pictured at the end of the 26.2mile race with a finisher’s medal.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Skupian pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Uxbridge magistrates’ court. Skupian, of no fixed address, also admitted three theft charges at Heathrow airport. He was remanded in custody.

Mr Halliday, who was running for the Bloodwise charity, did not complete the race after losing his number.