According to multiple reports, Monika Czarnecka was the only officially registered participant, but her husband Piotr Czarnecki ran alongside her wearing a copy of her number to provide moral support. He acknowledged he had not obtained a place but copied the number, according to reports.
Social media users expressed anger over the incident, with one saying they had been rejected nine times in nine years and found it frustrating. Another said it was unfair that legitimate runners pay around £200 for charity places and raise thousands, while others run with fake numbers.
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. It hurts to think that I've let them down. 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.
A London Marathon spokesperson said: "We are aware of the images that show two runners wearing identical numbers, and we are investigating. We take any incident where a participant cheats or forges numbers extremely seriously."
Monika Czarnecka placed 21,697th with a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes and 58 seconds. According to Daily Express - Sport, she described herself as truly sorry and said she did not want to cause harm, adding that the supporters' cheering helped her finish her first marathon. According to the same source, Piotr Czarnecki said it was all his idea and he took full responsibility, noting that he did not collect a medal.
We are aware of the images that show two runners wearing identical numbers, and we are investigating. We take any incident where a participant cheats or forges numbers extremely seriously.
The outcome of the investigation and whether any penalties were imposed remain unclear.