VANDALS removed directional signs for the fundraising Farnham Pilgrim Marathon on Sunday resulting in some runners getting lost and going miles in the wrong direction but it was hailed a great success, despite the upset.

A record number of nearly 900 competitors took part in the popular annual event organised by Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, which was run on a circular trail through the countryside from The Sands Village Recreation Ground.

Everything was done to ensure runners did not stray too far from the trail and fortunately competitors took the problems in their stride. Those taking part hailed the marathon as one of the most enjoyable on offer, thanks to the marvellous scenery, the friendly marshals and the excellent organisation.

Race co-ordinator Lynda Pattie was upset that the fundraising race in aid of two deserving local charities had been targeted by anti-social elements. This year’s event was in aid of Farnham’s The Woodlarks Centre, a residential care home and activity centre for adults with disabilities, and the Surrey branch of Alzheimer’s Society.

“This event has been run for six years and it has raised thousands of pounds for charity,” she said. “It was very distressing to find the directional signs had been removed. Some people deliberately tried to sabotage the race.

“We are worried it will put runners off in the future. We apologised profusely but fear it may happen again. The marshals said some runners were exhausted because they had gone three or four miles out of their way.

“The directional signs are little plastic boards stuck. They were taken out of the ground and just thrown away. We have 26 miles of trail. It’s so disappointing that a fundraising event by Farnham Weyside Rotary Club should be treated this way.

“It is disgraceful and disappointing that anyone would want to disrupt an event which raises so much money for charity. All the signs are placed there with the landowners’ permission and are removed quickly after the event.”

Runners came from all over the country, and the winners of the Team Award were local team, Farnham Runners. Among the fundraisers, one runner took part in memory of her mother, who had died only the week before. Another took a break from walking the Camino Frances de Santiago to do her first marathon, after only eight weeks’ preparation.