In the world of ultra-marathons, where endurance, perseverance, and sheer determination are put to the test, Scottish ultrarunner Joasia Zakrzewski has established herself as a formidable competitor, setting a world record in February this year. However Zakrzewski has made headlines for the wrong reasons after her recent race in the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool was marred by controversy. Zakrzewski was disqualified from the ultramarathon following allegations that she cheated by using a car for part of it.
Zakrzewski had initially finished third in the grueling 50-mile race however, race organizers later reviewed data from their tracking system following reports of an "unsporting, competitive advantage," and confirmed that Zakrzewski had taken a vehicle during part of the route, covering a distance of 2.5 miles in just 100 seconds - a feat impossible to achieve by foot.
Wayne Drinkwater, the director of the GB Ultras race, confirmed the disqualification and stated, "The issue has been investigated, and having reviewed the data from our race tracking system, GPX data, statements provided from our event team, other competitors, and from the participant herself, we can confirm that a runner has now been disqualified from the event having taken vehicle transport during part of the route." The incident has also been reported to the Trail Running Association, which provides the license for the event, and UK Athletics for further investigation.
Zakrzewski's disqualification has come as a shock to the running community, considering her impressive track record in the sport. Just two months ago, she set a world record at the Taipei Ultramarathon in Taiwan, winning the 48-hour race after covering a distance of 255 miles. She has also held the Scottish 24-hour and 100-mile records, as well as the British 200km record. Over the years, she has represented Great Britain in international competitions, winning silver and bronze at the IAU World 100km Championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015.
Zakrzewski's running friend, Adrian Stott, spoke to the BBC on her behalf, stating that she had been feeling "sick and tired" and had considered dropping out of the race after a long journey from Australia. He further explained that Zakrzewski had fully cooperated with the race organizers' investigation and expressed her remorse for any upset caused.
Joasia’s comments in the article don’t seem to add up. Even if you’re spaced out, contact GBUltras the next day and hand the trophy back, don’t post this on Facebook 2 days laterhttps://t.co/kbCR4HMKns #JoasiaZakrzewski pic.twitter.com/BpDq0ZEMAn
— Runners On Trail (@RunnersOnTrail) April 19, 2023
David Ovens, the chairman of Scottish Athletics, expressed disappointment at the turn of events and hoped that there was an innocent explanation for Zakrzewski's actions. He stated, "It is very disappointing to hear this, given Joasia's had such a successful period over the last few years. I hope she can put this behind her and that there is an innocent explanation, and she can resume her successful career."
