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Marseille 10K Shortened by 300 Meters Prompts Apology and Exceptional Qualifications

The French athletics federation is recalculating results to protect runners pursuing national championship entry.

Overview

  • The fourth edition of the Marseille 10K, held over the weekend, was run on a course about 300 meters short, invalidating qualifying times for some runners.
  • ASPTT Marseille apologized and said it will contact athletes seeking national qualification, though reports differ on whether about 150 or 300 runners are affected.
  • The French athletics federation collected finish times, recalculated results to account for the missing distance, and granted exceptional qualifications.
  • The start was delayed about 20 minutes because cars blocked part of the route and police required their removal for safety.
  • Runners also criticized an aid station that many missed and a lack of water at the finish, pushing organizers to promise a better setup next time.