Auckland Marathon organisers are apologising after women runners’ names were left off commemorative clothing.<\/p>\n
Nearly 18,000 people registered for the event on Sunday, which is expected to be the biggest in more than a decade.<\/p>\n
IRONMAN regional director Nicky van den Bos told RNZ that an “unfortunate, unintentional” error had resulted in the men’s names being printed on both the men’s and women’s half-marathon t-shirts and hoodies.<\/p>\n
“These things happen and obviously we’re really apologetic to those that are impacted,” he said. “Not ideal.”<\/p>\n
Van den Bos said 8000 runners registered for the half-marathon, 46% of them women.<\/p>\n
“We have a massive half-marathon field and so we have to split the participant list to be able to print them. Unfortunately, the printing has not pulled through the female names on the merchandise, on the name tees and the hoodies only.<\/p>\n
“There’s lots of other gear available with women’s names on other distances. That has limited the issue to the half marathon, so yeah, really unfortunate.<\/p>\n
“We’re really disappointed and obviously apologetic to those impacted by this.”<\/p>\n
Van den Bos wanted to make right by those affected.<\/p>\n
“Anyone who has purchased an affected item can request a full refund.<\/p>\n
“We’re obviously going to arrange a reprint of these name tees, and have them for sale and sent out post-event to those that would like to commemorate with a name tee or a hoodie.”<\/p>\n