Vague hand signals cost a marathon runner first place

This is the shocking moment a runner loses out on a win just seconds before crossing the finish line when he misunderstands staff guiding the racers and goes in the wrong direction.

The incident occurred during the 2024 Hangzhou Marathon held in China on the morning of 3rd November.

Near the finish line, possibly due to a language communication barrier, the leading Ethiopian runner misunderstood the guidance from on-site staff during the final sprint, resulting in him being overtaken by a Kenyan runner and missing out on winning the championship.

Video footage shows Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Deriba Ketema in the lead during the sprint, with Kenyan runner Moses Kibet close behind in second place.
However, the Ethiopian runner misinterprets the staff’s hand signals and takes the wrong route at a turn.
Video: NewsX