Marathon man took ten-mile short cut

A RUNNER thought to have recorded the fastest London Marathon time for the over-65s took a 10-mile short cut.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jun 2010, 01:03 BST
Updated 2nd Jun 2010, 01:03 BST

Anthony Gaskell crossed the finishing line in a stunning three hours and five minutes.

The 69-year-old runner was set to receive a plaque for his achievement in April until questions were asked.

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The grandfather, from the Wirral was reported on Monday to have said took a short cut after being injured.

"I have been called a cheat and disqualified from a race I never claimed to have won," he said. "I simply walked through a short cut to the end of the course where my belongings were waiting for me. I had no idea anyone thought I'd won."

He was disqualified by the organisers and second-placed Colin Rathbone, 66, of Northwich in Cheshire was crowned the real veterans winner.