Approximately 11,000 individuals have been disqualified from the Mexico City Marathon for cheating.

Allegations suggest that over 33% of participants in the event took shortcuts during the 26.2-mile course on August 27, with claims that they utilized vehicles, bicycles, and public transportation.

Spanish publication Marca, an inquiry using data from the runners' electronic tracking devices unveiled that a vast number of participants had failed to pass through the standard checkpoints.

Certain individuals have proposed that the tracking devices may have been malfunctioning, and The Mexico City Sports Institute is currently investigating this unusual situation to uncover the truth.

“The Mexico City Sports Institute informs that it will proceed to identify those cases in which participants of the XL Mexico City Marathon Telcel 2023 have demonstrated an unsportsmanlike attitude during the event and will invalidate their registration times.” A statement from the race organisers.

   “This great event not only represents an outstanding celebration for all the inhabitants of the capital, but also an occasion to reaffirm the transcendental values of sport.”

This marks a recurring issue for the marathon, as it has faced allegations of cheating on previous occasions. In 2017, nearly 6,000 runners were disqualified, followed by 3,090 the following year.

A race representative shared.

"However, many race organisers use mass timing detection systems in today's races and their effectiveness can be seen with the race organisers of this event who had the proper checkpoints in place, and have taken appropriate action by swiftly disqualifying all athletes who chose to cheat."

"It is always disappointing to hear that people choose to cheat in our sport, such as the cheating that occurred in the mass race at the Mexico City Marathon on 27 August,"

Nevertheless, it retains its World Athletics Gold Label Status, which is the second-highest distinction conferred by the governing body for road running events, and they have expressed support for the event organizers.