He Was About to Win… Then an Official Sent Him the Wrong Way

Send us Fan MailSometimes the hardest part of a marathon…isn’t the running.It’s everything that happens around it.After hearing about a bizarre finish at a marathon earlier this year—where the race leader was literally sent the wrong way just meters before the finish—we started digging into how often things like this actually happen.And it turns out… it’s not rare.In this episode, we talk through some of the strangest and most unexpected moments in marathon history—from officials interfering at the worst possible time, to historic controversies, to moments where the line between competition and compassion gets blurred.Some of these are frustrating.Some are unbelievable.And some are just… weird.But they all raise the same question:👉 How much of a race is actually in your control?—🎙️ Topics we cover:The 2026 marathon finish controversyKatherine Switzer and the 1967 Boston MarathonThe 1908 Olympic marathon chaosWhen helping a runner becomes disqualificationMarathon cheating and bizarre race behaviorThe strange role of spectators, officials, and outside interference—If you’ve ever run a race—or even just watched one—this episode might change how you see the finish line.—👇 We’d love to hear from you:What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen during a race?—🎧 Thanks for listening to the I Don’t Know Running PodcastWe’ll see you next time.Check out our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/IDKRSupport the show