A race volunteer at the 2024 Hangzhou Marathon in China took on the unexpected role of villain on Nov. 3 for directing Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Ketema down the wrong path with just one kilometre remaining in the race. This detour came at a cost, ultimately handing the lead—and the victory—to Kenya’s Moses Kibet.
Volunteer’s Misstep at #Hangzhou #Marathon Costs Runner $30K!💸 At the 2024 Hangzhou Marathon, a dramatic turn of events occurred in the final stretch. Due to a suspected volunteer error, the leading runner was mistakenly directed, allowing the second-place runner to surge ahead… pic.twitter.com/HOIGGradbd
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) November 4, 2024
Race footage shows Ketema misinterpreting a volunteer’s hand signals, leading him to an incorrect turn just before the finish line. Both Ketema and Kibet, who was following close behind, had to double back to rejoin the course. Kibet was able to adjust more quickly. This move allowed him to take the lead and cross the finish line first in 2:07:47, securing the USD $50,000 first-place prize, plus a bonus for breaking the course record.
The misdirection cost Ketema nearly USD $30,000, as he earned only $24,000 for his second-place finish of 2:07:53. Despite his visible frustration, officials stood by the volunteer’s decision, noting that there were signs in Mandarin (which said turn right) and both runners were affected by the error, though Kibet managed to react much faster.
The men’s race saw all top-three finishers go under the previous course record of 2:10:05. In the women’s division, Kenya’s Helah Jelagat Kiprop took the win in 2:22:57, with Ethiopia’s Sadiya Awel coming in second at 2:24:57.
The Hangzhou Marathon, one of China’s oldest and most prestigious races, has been held annually since 1987 and attracts more than 36,000 participants. The race is recognized as one of 23 World Athletics Gold Label road races.
