Kielder Runner To Hop On Sunderland Marathon?

10 NOV2011

Rob Sloan, the runner who sparked controversy after taking a bus for the final six miles of the Kielder Marathon, has confirmed he plans to take part in Sunderland's inaugural Marathon of the North.

Sloan, who displaced Steve Cairns to claim third place in the Kielder run in October, was subsequently stripped of his position after witnesses saw him board a bus. Since the incident occurred, Sloan has been expelled from his club Sunderland Harriers.

The incident, however, doesn't seem to have deterred the runner in taking part in future events. When asked if he would be competing in the race, which is due to take place on Sunday, May 6, he replied: "Most definitely. Running is all I ever do."

In a strange twist of fate, the organiser of the Kielder Marathon, Steve Cram, is also coordinating the Marathon of the North. As it currently stands, Cram explains, the runner is free to enter: "The governing bodies have asked us to give them information, its up to them if they want to take further action. There is no reason why he can't, unless the authorities decide to stop him from entering."