The measurement taken in 2013 was found to be around 380m short, though it was amended before the 2016 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon
The Greater Manchester Marathon course run from 2013-2015 has been found to have been around 380m short by the Association of UK Course Measurers (AUKCM).
A measurement taken in 2013 was used as the basis for the 2014 and 2015 races, though the 2016 race, which was held earlier this month, is said to have been unaffected by the mistake.
In a statement, AUKCM said: “Following the 2015 race, there were suggestions that the course was short and AUKCM used GPS traces and video evidence from runners, together with satellite mapping services, to check the distance run on the day.”
It continued: “After extended discussion with the organisers, it was agreed that AUKCM carry out a verification measurement of the course as run in 2015 in conjunction with the measurement of the course proposed for 2016. This measurement was done in October 2015 and showed that the course run in 2015 was 380m short. This was confirmed by a second measurement performed by two measurers in preparation for IAAF/AIMS certification in 2016.
“AUKCM regret the error in measurement and the effect it has on runners times.”
Steve Bayton won the men’s race this year in a time of 2:22:34 while Kelly Crickmore won the women’s in 2:48:04.
Following the announcement, Xtra Mile Events, organisers of the Greater Manchester Marathon, said in a statement: “Xtra Mile Events understand the anguish and huge disappointment this creates, and want to assure our runners that we share the upset and emotion from the AUKCM news regarding the race distance.
“Responsibility for measuring of the length of the course in 2013, 2014 and 2015 laid with AUKCM, and we relied on AUKCM certification in holding the race over the specified distance. It has been confirmed that the course was measured incorrectly most likely due to a calibration issue. AUKCM have agreed that the course was the same as had been certified.”
