Bungling marshals at 1km kids’s enjoyable run ship them mistaken method – that means they solely get to sprint 300m

Organisers of a 1km children’s fun run have apologised for a marshalling error that meant children only ran 300m of the race.

Around 400 young people were supposed to run around 600m along the promenade in Bournemouth before turning back for the finishing line.

But confused marshals sent hundreds of children back at the wrong turn, just 200m into the run instead of continuing along the route.

This is not the first time council organisers of the annual Bournemouth Bay Run have sent entrants on the wrong route.

In 2015, 300 of the 1,200 competitors in the 10km event were mistakenly sent on a 3km detour after a marshal failed to correctly direct the runners.

Parents have now been offered a refund or free entry into next year’s event but many have been quick to share their frustration.

Father Dave Warboys said: ‘There were three marshals stood there who did nothing to direct a group of children running at their fastest with no idea of where to run.

‘It’s hardly surprising that it was a farce.’

Organisers of a 1km children’s fun run have apologised for a marshalling error that meant children only ran 300m of the race

Around 3,000 runners took part in the half marathon, 10k, 5k and fun run events along the Bournemouth seafront this weekend. Pictured: Runners in the senior race

In 2015, 300 of the 1,200 competitors in the 10km event were mistakenly sent on a 3km detour after a marshal failed to correctly direct the runners

Michael Akers said: ‘The marshal, who may as well have been replaced by a cone, failed to provide any instruction and expected seven-year-olds to navigate the course.

‘A simple waving of the hand and blocking that turn would’ve worked absolutely fine.’

Sarah Byrne said: ‘They can’t even measure 500m out and back.’

Emma Williams said: ‘It was awful. You couldn’t even hear a proper countdown or barely see the start of the race and they could only run about 200m. Shocking!’

Candice Wrong added: ‘Very disappointing experience for the kids. It wasn’t clear where or when the race started, too crowded, only 300m and much of that they had to walk as there were so many people.’

Glynn Barton, chief operations officer at BCP Council, said: ‘Unfortunately due to some confusion during the 1km children’s fun run the participants turned too soon meaning they did not run the full distance.

‘We understand people will be disappointed and would like apologise to those who took part.

‘We would like to thank people for their understanding and for supporting this charity event.’

Around 3,000 runners took part in the half marathon, 10k, 5k and fun run events along the Bournemouth seafront this weekend.