A marathon runner in China missed out on first place after he was accidentally sent in the wrong direction by race volunteers.
The incident took place during he 2024 Hangzhou Marathon held on the morning of November 3.
In the footage, Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Deriba Ketema can be seen in the lead with his Kenyan rival Moses Kibet trailing close behind.
However, as they approach the finish line, both runners appear to misinterpret the race staff’s hand signals and they take a wrong turn.
Both men hastily realise their mistake and sprint to the finish line.
November 3. In the footage, Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Deriba Ketema can be seen in the lead with his Kenyan rival Moses Kibet close behind. As they approach the finish line both runners appear to misinterpret the staff’s hand signals and they take a wrong turn
Both men hastily realise their mistake and sprint to the finish line but with Mr Kibet now in the lead who then takes the top prize with a time of 2:07:47
Unfortunately for Mr Ketema, however, the mistake meant that his trailing rival Mr Kibet was able assume the lead in the race – without even overtaking him.
This is due to the fact they were forced to double-back to follow the correct route, putting Mr Kibet into the lead.
Mr Ketema was unable to reclaim his leading position, and Mr Kibet crossed the finish line in first place – claiming top prize with a time of 2:07:47.
Mr Ketema was just six seconds behind but his mistake was a costly one as it meant he missed out on the £41,800 cash prize for first place.
The mistake was costly as it meant Mr Deriba Ketema missed out on the £41,800 cash prize for first place
However, he did still take home the respectable second place prize of £18,600.
Meanwhile in the women’s marathon, Kenya’s Helah Jelagat Kiprop came first with a time of 2:22:57 and, mirroring the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Sadiya Awel came two minutes behind Ms Jelegat Kiprop with a time of 2:24:57.
The northeastern Chinese city has been held annually since 1987.
It is amongst the oldest marathons in China with the first taking place in Beijing in 1981.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
