Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea delay medals for Inverness half marathon runners

Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have delayed the delivery of medals for the Inverness Half Marathon and 5k event.

Event organisers issued an update for participants and confirmed that the medals and T-shirts for runners who finish the race won’t arrive in time for the event, which is scheduled to take place on March 10.

Organisers said the delay was due to the ship carrying the delivery being among those being re-routed around South Africa due to Houthi rebel attacks on major shipping companies.

The shipment was expected to arrive in South Hampton on February 10 before being rescheduled to arrive by February 26 due to the diversion.

Event organisers said the shipment was delayed further due to the “increased amount of shipping” on the route.

Those finishing the race will now have their medals and T-shirts posted to them “as soon as possible” after the event.

“We will post these items to you as soon as we possibly can and will update you again on this w/c March 11,” the organisers said.

In a statement posted to social media, the organisers said: “Due to unforeseen shipping delays as a result of the Houthi rebel attacks on container ships in the Red Sea, unfortunately it won’t be possible to hand out finisher medals and half marathon finisher T-shirts at the finish line on March 10.

“Instead, we will be posting these to all finishers as soon as possible after the event.

“We know how important your finisher items are to you and we are disappointed not to be able to hand over your commemorative medal and technical t-shirt as you cross the finish line.”