Wrong-way marathon man loses out

Paul Harper crosses the line - without realising it was all in vain

The winner of one of Europe's toughest marathons has been disqualified after taking a wrong turn.

Paul Harper, of the Great Western Runners in Newport, south Wales, was first across the line at the 23rd Snowdonia Marathon on Sunday.

But he accidentally went the wrong way less than a mile from the end. Harper vowed to try again next year.

The title went instead for the fourth time to Dennis Walmsley, 42, of Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds.

A record 1,400 runners took part in the race despite strong winds and rain.

Harper's disqualification meant the race was won by Dennis Walmsley

The marathon takes them around the highest mountain in Wales and England, and has been voted the UK's best race by readers of Runner's World magazine.

But Harper's elation turned to disappointment when it emerged minutes later that he had taken a wrong turn in Llanberis.

After his victory was wiped from the record books, Harper promised to be back in 2006 - and to follow the correct route throughout.

He said: "As far as I know there was a car reversing and the lead vehicles had to stop and had to go round and it was when I went round I went the wrong way.

SNOWDONIA MARATHON WINNERS 1st: Dennis Walmsley, Bourton-on-the-Water, 2:46:50 1st woman: Elizabeth Hawker, Essex, 3:20:49 Team: Eryri Harriers, combined time 9:01:45 1st local: Rhys ab Elwyn, Eryri Harriers, 2:55:58

"Obviously I should have turned back.

"I'll try to go the right way next year."

The disqualification meant that Walmsley won the race for the second year in succession.

He also won every previous time he has entered, in 1999 and 2001.

Walmsley, whose winning time was two hours, 46 minutes, 50 seconds, said: "I've got to know the course by now and have won it in different ways each time.

The mountainous course takes runners through Snowdonia

"This year I knew one runner was ahead of the field but I also knew that with this course you have to pace yourself.

"I only returned yesterday from a sailing holiday in Croatia but couldn't resist travelling up to take part."

The race is organised by the National Trust to raise money for the Snowdonia Appeal, which pays for conservation work.

Among the international competitors this year were entrants from the United States, Belgium, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and Australia.