Kyal Atkinson, a runner, has issued a public apology after completing the Sunshine Coast Marathon without registering or paying the required fee, subsequently accepting a finisher's medal and celebrating his achievement on social media. His actions also involved a support crew on e-bikes who filmed his progress and provided him with water, drawing criticism from other participants.
"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 stated on Instagram. "I understand that what I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions."
Atkinson acknowledged the lesson learned and pledged to prevent a recurrence. His team, identified as Team Nox, a Brisbane and Gold Coast-based athletic group, also released an apology. The team admitted to their athlete participating without an official bib and accepting a medal, while team members used e-bikes on the course for filming. They stated their initial response was immature and that they accept full responsibility.
Endurance athlete Noel Mulkey was among those who heavily criticized the incident, describing it as a disregard for race rules and safety. "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 online. He characterized the situation as disrespectful and dangerous, urging for action.
Other runners voiced their concerns. Peta Hubbard noted that Atkinson appeared to have a personal support vehicle on the course and received a medal despite not being registered. Laura Elizabeth highlighted that her own entry fee was $230, with registration costs contributing to essential event services like first responders, road closures, and aid stations. "He just jumped in with multiple e-bikes filming. To do it for free and then try profit off it is gross," she commented.
Commenters also questioned the use of outside assistance, such as e-bikes for water, during the marathon. However, the online response was divided, with some defending Atkinson and suggesting his critics were overreacting.
Atkinson has accepted his conduct was incorrect and has committed to not repeating such actions.