London Marathon pair were caught cheating as eagle-eyed spectators spotted ruse

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A married couple caused outrage at the 2021 edition of the London Marathon after being accused of cheating.

Monika and Piotr Czarnecka ran the marathon together and were at the centre of controversy after spectators noticed they were both wearing the same registration number. Event organisers launched an investigation into the incident and it was ultimately revealed that only Monika was eligible to take part in the marathon.

Monika later told the Daily Mail : "I'm truly sorry for what we've done and didn't want to cause any harm. The supporters were amazing, and their cheering and clapping helped me finish the marathon and it hurts to think that I've let them down.

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"This was my first marathon and I needed Piotr's support because I was worried sick that I wouldn't be able to finish it." Piotr explained he was unable to secure a place after missing out in the ballot and only ran with his wife to offer "support".

He said: "It was all my idea and I take full responsibility for it. I know it's wrong and I'm truly sorry, but I did what I did to support my wife.

"I didn't collect a medal, I was just there to support Monika. The race was like a walk for me because my marathon times are a lot quicker.

"I've run two London Marathons in the past so this one just gone was not about racing. It was all about my wife.

"People are behaving as if we've committed a serious crime and are treating us worse than athletes who've been caught for drug cheating.'Monika has not cheated, she didn't take anyone's place and genuinely ran the race.

"It was me who did wrong because this was all my idea. But it was done in good faith."

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