Antrim Coast Half Marathon organisers issue apology after being inundated with complaints from runners

Organisers of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon have apologised after they were inundated with complaints from runners.
The event, which describes itself as “Ireland’s fastest half marathon along one of the world’s most stunning coastlines”, took place on Sunday.

But runners, who paid the £42 standard entry fee and processing fee, to take part were left far from impressed.

Complaints included the length of queues for toilets, no water for the first five miles and runners being asked to move to the line more than an hour before the start time.

Problems with Sunday’s event were also compounded by the heavy rainfall.

Dozens of comments have appeared on their social media accounts voicing similar complaints with people telling of their experiences.

One participant said it was “absolutely appalling, never experienced anything as disorganised in my life”.

Another said it was a “lesson in how not to run a half marathon”.

"For the entry fee, I was expecting a lot more. Such a shame as such a beautiful route. Nobody can control the weather, but the organisers could have controlled their response to make things easier for the runners. Shout out to the volunteers left to try and control the chaos.”

Several competitors also spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about their experience.

One said: “For a race and route that has all the potential to showcase NI at its most beautiful, the lack of organisation or consideration for the mass runners is staggering.

"But it’s nothing the event organiser hasn’t heard before, with a lot of the same issues raised after previous years.

"However, this year it was even worse – areas scattered, standing 75 minutes waiting to start, facilities lacking, next-to-no signage.

"Granted, the weather didn’t help, but to overlook some of the basics, such as ample water and communication, should not be too much to ask of an event that bills itself as ‘UK & Ireland’s number one half marathon’."

Another said: “We were told to arrive more than an hour before the race. Barely any toilets for thousands of participants, we were told to head to our colour pen areas, this was equally disorganised and there were no race staff to help separate these area.

"There was a queue 200m long for the four toilets in the area we were in.

"We had to wait over an hour in the pouring rain before the race started – we were all shivering.”

On Monday the organisers addressed the water complaints saying they had fallen victim to theft.

The organisers also added in a later comment they were “observing social media feedback” and taking it “on board” following complaints raised under the post.

The organisers said: “Dear Antrim Coast Half Marathon participants.

"We want to extend our apologies for those who were disappointed with the absence of our first water station at Antrim Coast Half Marathon 2024. We wish to explain the lack of water available at the first 5K mark.

"Unfortunately, with events that occurred within the early hours of Sunday morning that involved theft, this evidently had an effect on the volume of water available for participants further along the race route.

"We understand that this is not an ideal situation, moving forward, we hope to implement security measures.

"We appreciate your understanding and patience as we make these changes.

"Thank you for being part of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon community and we look forward to delivering an event next year that lives up to the high standards you deserve.”