Derby 10K organisers launch probe after runners thought they had been on for a private finest solely to seek out course was 400 metres too brief

AS they approached the finish line, many were delighted at running what they thought was personal best.

But they were later devastated to find no records had been broken as the course was 400m too short following a blunder.

Organisers of the Derby 10k blamed flood defence works in the city for the mistake, which left some athletes running an extra lap of Pride Park football stadium – where the race ended – to make up the distance.

Derby County Community Trust launched a review of the course after runners raised concerns about the distance after their trackers showed it was only 9.6km.

Andy Green said: ‘9.6 on my watch, it’s a poor show when a course can’t be measured correctly, thought I had a PB, but if I had done full 10k it wasn’t.’

Rob Chilton added: ‘according to Strava it was 9.68km for me. Disappointed it was short.’ Others joked it should be renamed the ‘Derby 9.6k’.

Pictured, runners at the Derby 10k in 2019. Organisers have apologised for the errors at this year’s race after participants complained it was 400m too short 

The trust said the course was altered this year due to flood defence work taking place and was required to have an official remeasure by a member of the Association of UK Course Measurers (AUKCM).

It said following the re-measure, it was stipulated that the start and finish line should be altered from its previous position but became aware there was an issue after receiving feedback from runners whose GPS devices showed the course as short.

A spokesperson for the trust said the association was a ‘trusted’ partner and recognised mistakes could occur in any large-scale event.

In a statement, AUKCM said: ‘Following the Derby 10K on Sunday 15 March 2026, concerns were raised regarding the course distance.

‘AUKCM carried out a verification measurement on 17 March, which confirmed the course, as run, was approximately 400 metres short. AUKCM acknowledges the error and the impact on runners’ results.’

A spokesperson for the trust said: ‘We share the disappointment that this year’s race didn’t meet our usual high standards and we are grateful for the understanding and feedback we’ve received from the running community.

‘Thank you for your patience and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Derby 10K next year.’

In February, the trust announced a section of the race, between 8km and 9km, had been re-routed due to ongoing flood defence work in the city.

The Derby 10k, which raises funds for the Trust, has been running since 2002 and is sponsored by HUUB Design. More than 3,000 people took part.

This year’s route took runners from Pride Park stadium – the home of Derby County – to Derbion shopping centre, Derby Cathedral and past the Silk Mill before heading back to the stadium along the River Derwent.