A runner from Richmond is one of two competitors in The Vancouver Sun Run to have been stripped of their medals and barred from participating again.
Video analysis and eye witness accounts demonstrated the pair cheated to win their age categories.
Neena Cheema, who won the 50-54 age category for women, and Richmond's Mohammed Razak, who came first in the 55-59 age category for men, were advised Wednesday by Jamie Pitblado, vice-president promotions and community investment at The Vancouver Sun and Province, that an investigation had concluded they cheated in the race by taking shortcuts. Neither denied the charge, he said.
"We're absolutely appalled," Pitblado said in an interview.
"It's unfair for the tens of thousands of people who participate for the love of the sport or the community aspect of it and who do so fair and square. We won't stand for it."
Contacted by a Vancouver Sun reporter, Razak said, "I took some shortcuts but I didn't do that purposely." He added, "I don't know whether that's cheating. I wasn't there to cheat anybody."
Cheema's phone was not answered when a reporter called.
? Full story at www.richmond-news. com.
