Poor marks for marathon organisers

About 1,400 runners took part in the inaugural event on Sunday, which raised thousands of pounds for charity.

But after mixed feedback organisers have pledged to make improvements for next year.

Event director Karl Jackson, of Toro CSC Events, said: “I had reports from some runners using GPS watches coming back with distances ranging from 25.9 miles to 26.4, but that’s because there’s a variety with the satellites and I’m happy the course was accurate. A small number of runners, three to five, turned early at Victoria Dock because they weren’t directed and I take responsibility for that. Unfortunately some of the stewards didn’t turn up and that’s something we’re going to look at.”