THE CHAIRMAN of Malvern Joggers has confirmed new polices have been put in place after two committee members resigned after being accused of cheating at this year’s London Marathon.
The group’s former secretary is alleged to have allowed her husband to run on her behalf while the kit organiser is said to have worn a copied entry number for April’s race.
Joggers chairman Carl Flint confirmed the club had been made aware after the event of two members breaking the rules.
Speaking to the Observer, Mr Flint said the group had now put a new policy place where they will inform race organisers of any runner they find entering a race illegally.
“Picking up the pieces and moving forward we have put a new policy in place which should deter people from swapping numbers,” he said.
“However, it will take all clubs to do something similar if we are to tackle this problem head on.”
Mr Flint informed the London Marathon about the resignations to try and safeguard the Malvern Joggers’ guaranteed places at the event.
Normally runners have to enter a ballot to stand a chance of being involved in the annual race.
Malvern Joggers receives guaranteed entry places due to its affiliation and contributions to England Athletics.
“I do hope the actions of a few do no take away all the good which clubs like us try and achieve,” added Mr Flint.
“The Malvern Joggers are not an elitist club and we encourage people who have never had the self-belief in themselves they can jog, run or enter races.
“We have so many testimonials from people who have completed this journey with us which at the end of the day is far more important to record.”
A London Marathon spokesmen confirmed organisers were aware of the allegations.
A spokesman for England Athletics added a decision on further disciplinary action would be taken in due course.
The rules state numbers are issued to the individual athlete completing the application form for the race.
Athletes who receive transferred numbers without permission face disqualification and further discipline.
