Half marathon winner ran in wrong race

The winner of a half marathon was disqualified after running the wrong race.

Omar Ahmed had originally signed up to run the Bristol 10k during the Great Bristol Run on Sunday but ended up accidentally running – and winning – the half marathon that was taking place at the same time.

Ahmed went the wrong way when he reached the point where the course diverged for the separate races.

The Great Run Company said Ahmed had entered the 10k as an elite runner and not the half marathon, meaning that he had to be disqualified.

Paul Foster, the chief executive of The Great Run Company, said: “Rules are rules and in this case they say we have to disqualify Omar.

“We salute his performance, and he has been invited to take part in next week’s Great Manchester Run as an elite athlete.

“Of course, we also look forward to welcoming him back to Bristol for 2022’s Great Bristol Run.”