Runners finish race despite 'no sign' of organiser

Runners were left disappointed when they turned up to a half marathon they had paid to enter to find no signs of an organised event.

The Hometown Half Marathon, from Colchester to Brightlingsea in Essex, was due to take place on Sunday, but participant Abbi Lawrence said there were "no signs of any organisers" at the start line.

Ms Lawrence said she and 10 other runners decided to complete the route anyway.

Organiser Simon Dickerson said the event had continued to be advertised online in error after its cancellation and that full refunds would be given.

"There were obviously many upset runners who had prepared for a half marathon race," Ms Lawrence added.

She said she had paid £31.50 to take part in the race when she signed up in November and received a reminder email from the ticketing website Eventbrite, seen by the BBC, on Friday.

"It makes me wary of signing up to small races in the future, whereas I like to try and support smaller events," she added.

Anthony Chatters said the blunder left him "so angry I ran my fastest ever trail half marathon".

He added: "It's not really the money that bothers me, it's the training you do for it, the keeping your weekend free for it, the arranging childcare so you can get there."

His family made a makeshift finish line for him to cross when he reached the end of the 13.1 mile (21.1km) course.

W6 & Co is the company that continued to promote the race on its website as recently as Monday.

Director Mr Dickerson said the event went ahead as planned in 2023 and 2024.

He said it did not return this year "because hardly anyone was participating".

"If anyone purchased a ticket we'll make sure it gets refunded," he added.

The organiser of this year's event on Eventbrite was listed as Eveson Row & Co, a company which Mr Dickerson was previously a director of.

Eventbrite said it was not aware of the cancellation, adding participants can apply for a refund on its website.

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