No medals for half marathon finishers - Storm Ali blamed

Organisers Virgin Sport has blamed Storm Ali - which hit the UK on September 19 - for the problem. 

In a email sent to all participants, seen by the Oxford Mail, general manager Jessica Frey explained that the shipment containing the medals won't clear customs in time for the race. 

Really really disappointed that I won’t receive a medal at the finish line of my first ever half marathon. Poor show @Virgin_Sport #OxfordHalf. It’s not like it was a surprise and to blame the storm from weeks ago is just silly

— Kirsti Soanes (@KirstiSoanes) October 6, 2018

This is because of delays caused by the storm which wreaked havoc in parts of the country, bringing rain and 100mph winds. 

HALF MARATHON: All the road closures and transport information

Virgin has promised finishers they will be able to collect a T-shirt and goody bag and medals will be mailed at a later date 

Ms Frey wrote: "At Virgin Sport we strive to deliver the best possible experience and we’ve tried everything we can to get your medal to the finish line.

"We want to apologise and thank you for your understanding."

But runners have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the news. 

@Virgin_Sport what an absolute joke. People train for months just wanting a medal round their neck at the finish of Oxford Half which now won’t happen. For the entry fee you should have had a Plan B.

— Mike Clarke (@womble180) October 6, 2018