Runner who finished third in Manchester race disqualified for using car

A marathon runner has been disqualified from a race after tracking data showed she used a CAR for part of the route.

Top British runner Joasia Zakrzewski, a doctor from Dumfries, Scotland, finished third in the 2023 GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race.

But she has now been disqualified after tracking data from the race revealed the 47-year-old reached 'super-human' speed.

The numbers revealed she hit a top speed of 35mph, which is far faster than Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Joasia Zakrzewski during the race. Image: Facebook/Joasia Zakrzewski

She's thought to have been tracked via GPX mapping data covering a mile of the grueling race in just one minute and 40 seconds and is said to have travelled by car.

Dr Zakrzewski finished the race with a time of seven hours and 25 minutes, taking home third place prize as she posed for pictures with her medal following the event.

The issue is now being dealt with by UK Athletics, reports the BBC.

Speaking after the race, Wayne Drinkwater, director of the GB Ultras race, said: "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."

Dr Zakrzewski, however, wasn't in great condition as a close friend has revealed that she felt sick.

Adrian Stott said: "The race didn't go to plan. She said she was feeling sick and tired on the race and wanted to drop out.

"She has cooperated fully with the race organisers' investigations, giving them a full account of what happened."

He added: "She genuinely feels sorry for any upset caused.

"Joasia has been a great ambassador for British sport and has inspired so many women to run and achieve their goals."

Dr Zakrzewski has built an impressive reputation over the years competing in ultramarathons.

She set a new world record by running 255 miles in 48 hours at the Taipei Ultramarathon in Taiwan last February.

She won silver and bronze (x2) respectively in the IAU World 100km Championships for Great Britain in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

And she represented Team Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she participated in the marathon event.