World champs athletes blocked in Beijing

Many athletes were late for their opening heats at the world athletics championships in Beijing after roads were blocked off for the marathon.

Several athletes competing in preliminary action at the world athletics championships have been delayed because Chinese organisers had not set up alternative bus routes after roads were closed for the marathon race.

Team officials said angry hammer throwers, 100 metre and 800 metre runners only just made it to their heats and qualifiers on time, as it took them more than an hour to get to the Bird's Nest stadium from their hotels, instead of the regular 15-20 minutes.

Several roads around the stadium were closed because they formed the last part of the marathon course, and there had been no dedicated alternative routes, according to the officials.


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Source: AAP


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