ORGANISERS of the Monklands Half Marathon have hit back at claims this year’s event was a shambles. Last week the Advertiser reported that a leading pack of runners had been sent in the wrong direction by stewards midway through the race on Sunday, May 18. But the Monklands Sports Council, who run the competition, say the race was a success despite the problems for some of the leading athletes. A spokesman this week hit back at the allegations. He said: “I think the race is far from being a shambles. “This race has run for over 25 years and for seven years on this same route with no complaints during those years. “You may not be aware but it is the athlete's responsibility to ensure he knows the course before the start. “Once the race starts the stewards are there to assist in the running of the race. “They are there to point out directions and stop traffic as and when required. “If an athlete appears to ignore the directions of the steward that then is the responsibility of that athlete not the steward.” In last week’s Advertiser, a leading athlete, who was second at the time, claimed he’d been sent in the wrong direction. He said that he only realised about ten minutes later and by then his chances of a strong finish were over. The runner also demanded that his entry fee was returned. | 
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