A course marshal's absence led to chaos at the Cher Marathon, making runners cover 45 km instead of the usual 42.195 km.
Marathon course altered by mistake
More than 300 participants in the Cher Marathon were affected by an organizational error on Sunday, October 11, 2026, when a course marshal abandoned his post, leading participants astray and forcing them to run 45 kilometers to reach the finish line instead of the traditional 42.195 kilometers.Participants faced unexpected challenge
Runners who were misled by the missing marshal had to cover an extra 2.8 kilometers, which added significant time and physical strain to their race. Some competitors completed the extended distance without realizing the error until they reached the finish line.Race organizers issued apology
Following the incident, race organizers issued a public apology and acknowledged the mistake, explaining that the marshal had left his position due to a miscommunication. They assured participants that the event would be reviewed to prevent similar issues in the future.Event still considered a success
Despite the unexpected challenge, the Cher Marathon was still considered a success by many participants, who praised the overall organization and the support they received from volunteers and staff throughout the race.
