Glasgow runners go in wrong direction after prankster messes with race signs

Race runners in Glasgow were sent in the wrong direction after a prankster buried arrow signs and pointed them down a path not part of the trail.

Participants in a race in Castlemilk Woodlands on Sunday were sent down the wrong path by a member of the public pretending to be a marshal.

The prankster buried arrow signs meant to keep runners on the right track and instead changed the direction of the route with another sign.

They also pointed participants towards the wrong part of the trail, causing concern for safety as runners were marshalled into an unmarked area.

Castlemilk park run disrupted by prankster Acorn Trails/Facebook

Organiser Acorn Trails said it was left with “bitterness, anger and disappointment” after the stunt and apologised to those taking part.

A spokesperson said: “Aside from an absolutely great day and race, I’m left with some bitterness, anger and disappointment.

“Towards the end of the route, a member of the public took it upon themselves to bury a large route arrow, and then move a smaller one to change the direction of the route.

“They then imitated a marshal and pointed runners in the incorrect direction.

“The pettiness endangered runners taking them away from the safety of a marked and marshalled course, and forced them further into the park, towards the road and away from any first aid provision they could have potentially required. It makes me rather angry that anyone could be so reckless.

“I’m also disappointed that an easy fix, an actual Acorn Trails marshal deployed at this spot, would have alleviated this issue. That’s our fault, and one for which I wholeheartedly apologise.

“We have limited resources at our disposal, but ultimately, it’s my decision as to where they are deployed.

“In hindsight, it seems I got this location incorrect, and it needs more than course marking to assist runners.

“It’s hard to factor in interference from mischievous folk, and this was a spot we didn’t think would have such an issue… Hopefully the majority of you had a positive race day experience, and enjoyed the trails that we love.”

The company is offering a 50% discount to those affected for entry to their next event in Linn Park in March.