Illegal Marathon Athlete Grabbed

Police in Dansoman in Accra are investigating a case involving a participant of last Monday�s Milo Marathon who was alleged to have won the championship through fraudulent means. James Quartey was caught using fake ribbon technical handlers used to identify those who actually exhausted the 42-km race. He was apprehended and handed over to the police. The suspect, however, denied any wrong doing. Aside from him, many participants were also disqualified for failing to follow instructions governing the race. Some of the disqualified athletes joined their colleagues halfway into the race. Others were disqualified for failing to pass through designated security checkpoints. Some of the disqualified athletes rather accused the technical handlers of deliberately sabotaging them. In an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Accra Regional Operations Commander of the Ghana Police Service said the police will investigate the issue and those found culpable will be made to face the law since cheating in sports is an offence. Vice Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, Mr. Hans Awude, said organisers have assured that they will put effective security measures in place to deter athletes from cheating in subsequent competitions. He said the club was naming and shaming offenders to discourage the practice in order to secure the integrity of the championship. Mr. Awude promised that the police will be given the needed support as they investigate James Quartey�s case.