Wheelchair participants say cut-off time 'unreasonable'

Wheelchair athletes have blasted marathon organisers for setting "unreasonable" and "unnecessary" time limits, which kept four of the six competitors from finishing yesterday's 10-kilometre race.

Organisers insisted the measures were in place for the safety of both wheelchair athletes and runners, but this was questioned by some competitors, who said the time limits were too demanding for amateur athletes and undermined the inclusive ethos of the race.

"Not everyone taking part is an elite athlete. They come from different categories, so the organisers need to take care of everybody," said Samuel Ajmal, 48, who was disqualified near the end of the race.

"Some people just want to participate, so you have to also give them a chance."

Athletes were required to finish the first five kilometres in 20 minutes, pass the 9.3-kilometre mark within 35 minutes and finish in 40 minutes. Those who failed were asked to leave the course.

Ajmal said he would have finished within 40 minutes had his wheels not been punctured two kilometres into the race.