THE organisers of the Derby 10k have apologised after runners were left with fines after a parking mix-up.
Runners and spectators had the £60 fines drop through their doors this week following the event at the iPro Stadium on April 6.
And now the organisers of the event, Sporting Futures, are advising people not pay.
The spaces at the Toys R Us shop on the Wyvern Retail Park were supposed to be official parking for the race.
Competitors had to show their numbers to be allowed access to around a hundred spaces that the company agreed runners could use.
However the message clearly had not been passed to G24, the company who deal with security for Toys R Us.
Alison Jackson was one of those who received a fine, she said: "This was a official race car park and we were instructed by the organisers to arrive as early as possible to avoid congestion.
"I'm sure this charge was sent automatically and hope myself and hundreds of others won't have to pay the fine.
"Unfortunately it is still an unpleasant ending to a successful local event which raises thousands of pounds for charity.
"The Derby 10k is usually a great race which I have enjoyed several times, it would be a shame if this incident put runners off taking part."
Claire Duffin, event manager of the Derby 10k, said: "We were alerted to this problem late on Thursday evening.
"As soon as we were, we attempted to get in touch with the company that deals with the car park for Toys R Us however they were unable to be contacted.
"Before the race 100 spaces were allocated for our use in the company's car park.
"It was our understanding that the ANPR camera, which monitors cars coming in and out of the car park, would not be turned on.
"This does not seem to have happened. I have spoken to the manager of Toys R Us and we are working towards resolving the situation.
"Unfortunately due to the Bank Holiday weekend we will be unable to speak to G24 until Tuesday. Our advice to anyone who has received a fine is to not pay it.
"They should instead contact the Sporting Futures office from 1pm on Tuesday to speak to a member of staff.
"I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and we are doing everything possible to sort the matter out as soon as possible."
The Derby Telegraph attempted to contact G24 but were unable to speak to a member of staff. If you have received a fine contact the Sporting Futures office on 01773 841 423 or info@sporting-futures.org.uk.
joey.severn@derbytelegraph.co.uk
