A top ultra-marathon runner was disqualified after allegedly using a car during a race, shocking the running community.
Joasia Zakrzewski is renowned for remarkable achievements in the marathon community
Recently, a surprising incident occurred in the sports world involving Joasia Zakrzewski, a top ultra-marathon runner.
She was disqualified for allegedly using a car during a race.
The 48-year-old athlete from Dumfries, Scotland, is famous for her remarkable achievements in ultra-marathon events.
She has represented Great Britain in numerous international competitions, winning medals including silver at the IAU World 100 km Championships in 2011.
The athlete was disqualified after allegedly using car during a race
In April 2023, Zakrzewski participated in the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool race, a grueling 50-mile event.
However, during the race, it was revealed that she traveled approximately 2.5 miles by car.
This revelation quickly captured the attention of the media, leaving many fans and fellow athletes stunned.
Before the incident was uncovered, Zakrzewski had accepted a medal and a trophy for finishing in third place.
Joasia speaks out about the cheating accusation in the competition
Following the incident, she stated that she did not intend to cheat.
According to her, she got lost on the course and began feeling pain in her leg.
When Joasia Zakrzewski met a friend along the race route, she accepted a ride to the next checkpoint.
She intended to withdraw from the race because she was feeling uncomfortable.
After completing the race, Zakrzewski acknowledged her mistake, explaining that she felt unwell on the day of the event.
The athlete stated she decided to continue the race without competing and did not pass the runner ahead of her.
After finishing, she received a medal and a third-place trophy, which she later realized was a big mistake.
Mel Sykes, another athlete, has since been given the third-place award.
She admitted that failing to inform the organizers about her non-competitive status was a significant error.
Race organizer issues statements about the situation.
Wayne Drinkwater, the race director, mentioned that no one on the event team was aware of Zakrzewski using any vehicle during the race.
“After the event, there was no attempt by Joasia to make us aware of what had happened and to allow us to correct the results or return the third-place trophy during the subsequent seven days.
“At the finish location, Joasia crossed the finish line timing mat, received her finisher medal, and was presented with her trophy.
At no point at the finish were the event team informed by Joasia that she was ‘not running the race competitively,” he stated.
The runner was banned for 12 months from every competition
Once the situation was brought to light, Zakrzewski faced a 12-month suspension from competitive events.
She will not be allowed to participate in any domestic or international competitions during this period.
She recognized that her actions provided an unfair advantage and expressed regret for her decision
“As stated, I accept my actions on the day that I did travel in a car and then later completed the run, crossing the finish line
and inappropriately receiving a medal and trophy, which I did not return immediately as I should have done,” she wrote in a letter.