Ultra-marathon runner banned for a year after using car in race, accepting trophy

Joasia Zakrzewski has a 12-month ban by a UK Athletics disciplinary panel. (Image: @joasia1/Facebook)

Joasia Zakrzewski, a prominent British ultra-marathon runner, has been slapped with a 12-month ban by a UK Athletics disciplinary panel in the wake of her admission that she used a car during a 50-mile race and then went on to accept a trophy for third place.

Zakrzewski, a seasoned athlete with a notable record, admitted to utilizing a car during the 2023 GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool race on April 7 and later accepting a trophy for her performance.

The unfolding events reveal a breach of the UKA code of conduct for senior athletes, leading to a harsh penalty that prohibits her from participating in UKA licensed races, representing Great Britain, or engaging in coaching or management roles for the next year.

Zakrzewski's claim that she entered the vehicle after informing race marshals of an injury and discontinuing the competition failed to sway the disciplinary panel.

Contrary to her statements, marshals presented evidence that contradicted her version of events, asserting that she continued the race on a competitive basis. The panel, unswayed by Zakrzewski's explanations, emphasized that her actions violated the established code of conduct.

The disciplinary decision hinged on the marshals' testimony and GPS data, revealing that Zakrzewski, 47, covered approximately 2.5 miles in a car, with one mile clocking in at an astonishing one minute and 40 seconds. The panel dismissed her defense, highlighting that she failed to challenge the marshals' evidence during the hearing.

Furthermore, the decision noted Zakrzewski's failure to promptly return the trophy and medal she received at the race's conclusion, an action deemed inappropriate for someone claiming a non-competitive status.

While Zakrzewski attempted to justify her actions by attributing them to the foggy state of mind induced by travel, the panel asserted that she had ample time to rectify the situation post-race.

Despite her assertions of embarrassment, she chose silence over disclosure, failing to notify the race organizers until challenged. The panel underscored that even if Zakrzewski suffered from mental fatigue during the race, she had a week to address the issue but opted not to.

In a final blow to her credibility, the disciplinary panel highlighted Zakrzewski's social media posts about the race, which failed to disclose her non-competitive participation.