Top British ultrarunner Joasia Zakrzewski disqualified for using car in race
Scottish Athletics
Joasia Zakrzewski represented Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games marathon.
Organizers have disqualified top ultramarathon runners after they were found to have used their cars for part of the 80km race.
Scotland’s Joasia Zakrzewski finished third in the British Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race on April 7, but said she had driven 2.5 miles (about 4 km). It is being considered, the BBC reported.
The 47-year-old GP was tracked with GPX mapping data covering the race’s mile in just 1 minute and 40 seconds, the BBC reported.
Wayne Drinkwater, director of the GB Ultras race, said he had received information that a runner had gained “an unsporting competitive advantage during part of the event.”
he said: Events with vehicle transport on part of the route.
This issue has been referred to UK Athletics.
Scottish Athletics chairman David Ovens told the BBC: “Given the success Joasia has had over the last few years, it is very disappointing to hear this.
“I hope she can forget this and have an innocent explanation so she can resume her successful career.”
Adrian Stott, a running friend who has been in touch with Zakshewski since the event, said she arrived the night before the race after traveling 48 hours from Australia.
“The race didn’t go as planned. She said she felt sick and tired during the race and wanted to drop out,” he said.
“She cooperated fully with the race organizers’ investigation and gave a full account of what happened. She sincerely regrets the upset caused.”
At the Taipei Ultramarathon in February, Zakrzewski won the 48-hour race with a world record of 255 miles (411.5 km).
He has raced for Great Britain at the IAU World 100km Championships, winning individual silver in 2011 and bronze in 2014 and 2015.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/300856679/top-british-ultrarunner-joasia-zakrzewski-disqualified-for-using-a-car-in-race.html Top British ultrarunner Joasia Zakrzewski disqualified for using car in race