Married couple caught 'cheating' at London Marathon sparked fury before apologising

couple who completed the London Marathon five years ago faced widespread criticism for 'cheating' from furious social media users. At the time, Monika Czarnecka and her husband Piotr navigated the 26.2 miles together and reached the finishing line side-by-side. Social media users identified a photograph of the duo that was posted online, revealing the pair running with matching registration numbers, 11250, attached to their chests.While they were not accused of 'cheating' by taking shortcuts or manipulating their times, it transpired that only Ms Czarnecka was officially registered to take part in the race. Piotr subsequently acknowledged that he had not obtained a place, but had copied the number so he could access the course and provide moral support to his wife.

This triggered fury on social media, especially amongst those who had been unable to secure a place in the challenging event.

Out of more than 40,000 runners participating in the capital, Ms Czarnecka placed 21,697th, completing the race in four hours, 40 minutes and 58 seconds.

Generally, the number of applicants who are turned down for the marathon extends into the hundreds of thousands.

Responding to the fury sparked by Piotr completing the marathon without being officially registered, Ms Czarnecka told the Mail: "I'm truly sorry for what we've done and didn't want to cause any harm. The supporters were amazing, and their cheering and clapping helped me finish the marathon.

"It hurts to think that I've let them down. This was my first marathon and I needed Piotr's support because I was worried sick that I wouldn't be able to finish it."

Piotr added: "It was all my idea and I take full responsibility for it. I know it's wrong and I'm truly sorry, but I did what I did to support my wife."

At the time, a London Marathon spokesperson stated: "We are aware of the images that show two runners wearing identical numbers, and we are investigating.

A general view of the London Marathon as runners cross Tower Bridge (Image: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

"We take any incident where a participant cheats or forges numbers extremely seriously."

Incensed social media users were quick to pile on the couple, with one writing: "I've had nine rejections in nine years. This kind of thing is incredibly frustrating. Next year is my last chance. I'm not holding out any hope."

Another fumed: "It's not fair if we are paying around £200 for a charity place, stressing raising £2k, and you get virtuals or fakes on course really."

Addressing the controversy sparked by his decision to run alongside his wife, Piotr said: "I didn't collect a medal, I was just there to support Monika.

"The race was like a walk for me because my marathon times are a lot quicker. I've run two London Marathons in the past so this one just gone was not about racing.

"It was all about my wife. People are behaving as if we've committed a serious crime and are treating us worse than athletes who've been caught for drug cheating.