Marathon runner hopped on bus

A marathon runner has been stripped of his medal after catching a bus to the finish line.

Rob Sloan claimed third place in the Kielder Marathon after completing the 26.2 mile course in an impressive time of 2:51:00.

But suspicions were raised by fellow runners bemused that they had not seen Mr Sloan pass them during Sunday's race.

After initially denying any wrongdoing, he admitted to hopping onto a bus at the 20-mile mark because he was feeling tired.

He then re-emerged from a wooded area of the course and picked up the bronze medal.

Witnesses reported seeing him hide behind a tree until the first and second placed runners went past, then rejoining the race behind them.

The 31-year-old now faces dismissal from his club, Sunderland Harriers, and could be banned from taking part in future marathons.

Mr Sloan, a former Army mechanic, was seen boasting to reporters minutes after completing the event. He described the race as "absolutely, unbelievably tough".

When his placing was brought into doubt, he was indignant: "I'm upset and angry that someone wants to cast these aspersions. It's laughable, is what it is," he insisted.

However, after organisers launched an investigation, he confessed to hitching a ride.