A race in Glasgow took an unexpected turn when pranksters led about 30 runners in the wrong direction during the Acorn Trails event in Castlemilk. The mischievous culprits deliberately moved route arrows and posed as race organizers, diverting participants onto a 2.5km detour. While organizers were able to see the humor in the situation, they expressed concerns over the compromised safety of the runners.
The race was scheduled to have a 115-strong field start and finish at Linn Park, with the course encompassing two laps of Castlemilk Woodland. Race marshals were strategically located to guide runners at key turning points. However, several participants reported being diverted off-course by an individual at an unmarshalled section, leading them to cover a longer distance of 12.5km rather than the intended 10km route.
Michelle Sinsheimer, co-owner of Acorn Trails along with partner Alex Osborne, highlighted the confusion caused by the tampered signs. Some runners realized the discrepancy early on, while others followed the deceitful directions unknowingly. The pranksters even went as far as ripping off and burying a race sign underneath leaves and branches, indicating a premeditated act rather than a spontaneous decision.
The incident not only disrupted the race but also posed risks to the well-being of the participants by steering them away from potentially necessary medical assistance. While previous races had also been targeted with sign manipulations, the organizers acknowledged the need for heightened stewarding at future events to prevent similar incidents. Despite the unexpected challenges, participants showed resilience and good spirit, with organizers reflecting on the ordeal with a mix of amusement and admiration for the extra effort put in by those who completed the extended course
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