by Kim Seungwook
Published 20 Apr.2023 10:50(KST)
At a marathon race in the UK, a 100m record surpassing Usain Bolt's was recorded, but it was later revealed that a vehicle was used.
On the 19th (local time), according to the BBC and others, the organizers of the 'GB Ultras Race' ultramarathon held on the Manchester to Liverpool route on the 7th disqualified Josiah Zakrzewski (47), a Scotsman who finished third.
After reviewing the satellite navigation device (GPS) tracking data measured for each athlete, the organizers found that Zakrzewski was recorded passing 1 mile (about 1.6 km) in 1 minute and 40 seconds on some sections, drawing attention.
This corresponds to 6.25 seconds per 100m, breaking the record set by the "Bullet Man" Bolt of 9.58 seconds by more than 3 seconds. In other words, the result was about 3 seconds faster than the world running record in a marathon.
Zakrzewski is a world-leading female ultramarathon runner who set a world record at the Taipei Ultramarathon (411.5 km) in Taiwan last February.
However, it was revealed that he rode in a car during the race, causing embarrassment. The organizers stated, based on testimonies from staff and other participants, that he traveled a total of 2.5 miles (about 4.0 km) by car.
With his disqualification, third place went to the next runner, Mel Sykes. This fact was also reported to the Trail Running Association (TRA) and the higher authority, UK Athletics (UKA).
However, he stated, "I started to feel pain in my leg and began limping during the race, so I got into a vehicle," adding, "It was a communication error." He said he intended to withdraw from the race and used the vehicle briefly, but this was not clearly communicated to the organizers.
Regarding taking the third-place trophy and finishing photos, he said, "I should have returned the trophy and not taken photos, but I was uncomfortable and could not think clearly," adding, "It was never an intentional deception. I want to apologize to Sykes."
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