Thousands of runners are up in arms after being told their times are not valid from a renowned 10k race - because the course measured 23m too short.
Participants of the Leeds Abbey Dash 2019 are angry their achievements will not be recognised by sports governing body UK Athletics.
The course for the annual Age UK race, now in its 34th year, is supposed to be 10 kilometres from Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, to the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and back.
It was updated this year when the start line was moved to the Headrow, where the Town Hall is located, and the loop around entertainment complex Cardigan Fields was removed to make the dash 'even faster'.
Following the race, which took place on Sunday, October 27 and cost £26 to enter, the updated route was reassessed by officials and the distance found to be too short.
Due to the shortfall, times recorded for thousands of runners at the event will no longer be recognised by official sport body, UK Athletics.
On the Age UK website, the charity "apologised" for any disappointment, stating: "The race distance has been re-assessed after the event and due to slight alterations in the course landscape, the race distance was found to be short by 23 metres.
"This is approximately four seconds for athletes on a time of 29 minutes for 10k.
"We are extremely sorry this has happened and apologise for any disappointment this may have caused participants."
Leeds Abbey Dash organisers said the race will be re-licensed for 2020.
Lydia Curran, Head of Events at Age UK added: "The event is managed and organised with a trusted team which makes every effort to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun day.
"The route was re-licensed for 2020 and in the meantime we are so grateful for everyone who took part and raised vital funds to help improve the lives of older people in Leeds and the rest of the country."
Disappointed entrants have been told they will be eligible for reduced price entry for the 2020 race by way of apology.
Runner Eva McKnight, from Leeds, said: "It's really disappointing because I had run my best time. It seems to be a silly mistake to make.
"I feel a bit conned by this. I was already upset that I didn't get chocolate in my finishers' pack and now this."
