Record-breaking athlete Dr Joasia Zakrzewski has been disqualified from the Manchester to Liverpool Ultra race after race organizers discovered that she used a car during part of the race. Zakrzewski, who regularly competes in long-distance events, finished third in the race on April 7, but was stripped of her title after GPS tracking data revealed that she had gained an unsporting advantage.
The Manchester to Liverpool Ultra is a grueling 80-kilometer (50-mile) race, and competitors are not allowed to use any form of transportation during the event. The race organizers had warned participants that they would be using GPS tracking data to monitor the event and ensure that all runners were adhering to the rules.
Tracking data showed that Zakrzewski traveled 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in just one minute and 40 seconds, which is faster than the current world record for the mile of 3:43.13. This led the race organizers to investigate further and they discovered that Zakrzewski had used a car during part of the race.
Disqualification Confirmed
After reviewing the data from the race tracking system, GPX data, statements from the event team, other competitors, and Zakrzewski herself, the race organizers confirmed her disqualification. Wayne Drinkwater, the director of GB Ultras races, told BBC News, “We can confirm that a runner has now been disqualified from the event having taken vehicle transport during part of the route.”
Adrian Stott, who is Zakrzewski’s friend and running partner, informed the BBC that Zakrzewski had experienced exhaustion and discomfort while competing in the race and had contemplated withdrawing. Stott added that Zakrzewski had provided a complete account of the incident to the race organizers’ inquiry and expressed genuine remorse for any distress caused.
Third Place Awarded to Mel Sykes
Following Zakrzewski’s disqualification, third place was awarded to Mel Sykes, who completed the race in 7:32.58. Sykes was offered an apology by the race organizers for the delay in rectifying her accurate ranking, and they expressed gratitude towards her for being patient and understanding throughout the past few days.
Referral to UK Athletics
The incident has been referred to the governing body UK Athletics, and it remains to be seen whether Zakrzewski will face any further punishment. The use of performance-enhancing drugs or unsporting conduct during a race can result in a ban from the sport, so this is a serious issue that could have long-term consequences for Zakrzewski’s running career.
The disqualification of Joasia Zakrzewski from the Manchester to Liverpool Ultra race has highlighted the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in long-distance running. The use of GPS tracking data has made it easier than ever before to monitor races and ensure that all competitors are playing by the rules. While it is disappointing that Zakrzewski resorted to unsporting conduct, it is encouraging to see that the race organizers took swift action to investigate and address the issue. Hopefully, this incident will serve as a reminder to all runners that honesty and integrity are essential qualities in any sporting endeavor.
