A runner has apologised for racing in the Sunshine Coast Marathon without registering or paying, and yet still collecting a finisher’s medal and bragging about his result on social media.
Kyal Atkinson admitted running the course despite not being a registered participant. His support team also infuriated participants by using e-bikes blocking the course to film him for social media and provide him with water.
Atkinson’s conduct attracted criticism from other runners, who raised concerns the presence of the e-bikes was a hazard.
‘I want to publicly apologise to the Sunshine Coast Marathon, the event organisers, volunteers and participants for running in a race that I hadn’t entered or paid to participate in,’ Atkinson wrote on Instagram on Monday.
‘I understand that what I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
‘I’ve taken a huge lesson from this, and it’s something I won’t do again. I know an apology doesn’t change what happened, but I hope my actions moving forward reflect that I’ve learnt from it.
Atkinson collected a finisher’s medal despite not paying the registration fee required of other runners in the race.
The runner allegedly used a support crew on e-bikes while completing the Sunshine Coast Marathon course without an entry
Atkinson faced a fierce social media backlash after collecting a medal and sharing his marathon achievement with his followers
‘I’m genuinely sorry to everyone affected. I can only learn from this, take accountability and do better moving forward.
‘Thanks, Kyal.’
Atkinson is also a member of Brisbane and Gold Coast-based training crew and athletic brand, Team Nox, which also issued an apology.
‘Over the past few days, there has been significant discussion surrounding our involvement at the Sunshine Coast Marathon, and we want to acknowledge the mistakes that were made,’ their statement read.
‘One of our athletes participated without an official race bib and accepted a medal, while members of our team used e-bikes on the course to film content. Our initial response was immature and did not reflect the level of accountability this situation deserved.
‘NOX takes full responsibility and sincerely apologises to the organisers, volunteers, participants and wider running community.
‘We understand the disappointment and frustration. The rules exist to protect the fairness and safety of everyone taking part.
‘The criticism is understood and accepted. We have learned from this experience and will ensure it doesn’t happen again.’
The runner allegedly used a support crew on e-bikes while completing the Sunshine Coast Marathon course without an entry
The apology followed a post from endurance athlete Noel Mulkey, who heavily criticised the incident and claimed those involved showed little regard for other competitors.
‘There’s a PLAGUE of ‘hybrid’ athletes coming to endurance sports and completely disregarding all the rules and regulations of the races they enter,’ Mulkey wrote.
‘This is one of the more ridiculous examples I’ve ever seen!!! They couldn’t care less about the other runners on the course.
‘So disrespectful and dangerous in my opinion. Share, repost, like, spread this message. Hopefully the right people see this and action is taken.’
The allegations sparked a divided response online, with some runners criticising Atkinson’s actions – while others questioned the scale of the backlash.
Peta Hubbard claimed Atkinson had ‘a personal support vehicle (e-bike) on the course’ and had received a medal despite not being registered.
‘Basically had a personal support vehicle (e-bike) on the course. Also did the marathon without being a registered runner and received a finisher medal,’ she wrote.
‘Then put it on social media.’
Another runner, Laura Elizabeth, said her entry cost $230 and argued registration fees helped fund vital services throughout the event.
‘I paid $230 to run in this marathon – that goes to all the first responders stationed, road closures, gels, event support,’ she wrote.
‘He just jumped in with multiple e-bikes filming. To do it for free and then try profit off it is gross.’
Others focused on the apparent use of outside assistance during the marathon.
‘Also normal people just carry their own water?!?! This is insane,’ one commenter wrote.
However, some people defended Atkinson and accused his critics of taking the issue too seriously.
‘Way too much time on your hands,’ one person responded.
Another wrote: ‘Someone who sits in front of a screen all day calling out someone who works his a** off training, sums up this post completely’
Atkinson has accepted that his conduct was wrong and pledged not to repeat it.
