Statement on the collision between Tiki Gelana and Josh Cassidy

In the 33rd Virgin London Marathon today, an unfortunate accident happened between Olympic champion Tiki Gelana in the elite women's race and Josh Cassidy, the world's fastest wheelchair racer, next to a feeding station near the 15km point of the course. We regard this as a racing incident which happened in the midst of two fiercely contested battles between some of the best marathon competitors in the world.

We understand that the athletes involved were very frustrated by what happened as it clearly had an impact on their prospects in the races, but we believe neither competitor was to blame. We have spoken to both athletes about the incident and are satisfied that they accept it was an accident and do not hold any person or organisation responsible.

It's against this background that we will consider any future improvements in consultation with our athletes and all the relevant partners and stakeholders. Cassidy said: "Clearly, I was hugely frustrated by the incident today but I do not for a minute hold Tiki responsible for what happened. I saw a gap as we approached the feeding station and was trying to overtake.

Unfortunately, Tiki could not see me approaching from behind and when she stepped to the side I tried to stop but was moving too fast to avoid a collision. "I have had a useful discussion with Hugh Brasher, the London Marathon race director. The London Marathon does a great job of promoting wheelchair racing and I know that they have our best interests in mind.

"With wheelchair racers and elite women on the road at the same time, and our fields getting bigger, this sort of accident can happen." Gelana said: "I am very sorry about what happened. I had trained very hard for this race with five months' excellent preparation back home in Addis Ababa and was ready for a big result. "At the 15km point I moved towards the drinks table when suddenly another athlete in a wheelchair hit me hard from behind. I fell down and hurt both legs and my right ankle, and broke my shoe lace. I tried to catch up but was in heavy pain.

"I do not blame Josh Cassidy for the accident and I am sorry that it affected his chances of winning the wheelchair race. "I'm glad I managed to finish but I was not able to run freely. I hope to come back to London in the future and finish the Virgin London Marathon in a more positive way

Source: Virgin London Marathon