International Race Weekend ended on a bizarre and controversial note yesterday when the marathon was ruled a tie after a Kenyan athlete stumbled over a race official and a barrier at the start of a sprint finish.

After 26 miles of shoulder-to-shoulder running, Moroccan Al Afoui Boubker narrowly beat Kenyan Simon Sawe in a dramatic sprint to the line to secure what he thought was his third straight win in the Marathon.

But Sawe lodged an official protest and would not concede defeat after having to swerve to avoid national athletics coach and Race Weekend's technical officer Gerry Swan and a barrier just as the sprint was getting underway.

After passing the Birdcage, the athletes reached a signboard, indicating ‘Marathon Lap 2' to the right and ‘Half-Marathon Finish' to the left with Swan standing directly in front of it.

The Kenyan saw the coloured sign corresponding to the Marathon and took three strides to his right before having to cut back to the left, narrowly avoiding collision with both the barrier and Swan, who had to quickly bring his arms in to avoid the 20-year-old Sawe.

“I know when I have been beaten and today I am not prepared to say I was beaten,” said Sawe after a long discussion with Swan and Race Weekend committee chairwoman Judy Simmons in front of the problem sign.

But four hours later, Simmons told The Royal Gazette that, after reviewing a tape of the incident, a tie had been ruled as both athletes finished in an identical time of two hours, 23 minutes and 31 seconds.

“We reviewed the tapes and it showed the athlete stumble a the barrier,” she said.

“We have therefore ruled the finish a tie. They will both be declared winners and will both get first place prize money.

“The ruling is both fair and is positive for both athletes. I think we had to be careful with the ruling not to muddy Bermuda's name in the athletics community and I think we have done that.”

This leaves Boubker, who won last year outright but only earned top spot in 2003 after Brazilian Luiz Carol Ramos was kicked out for doping, the winner of a bizarre hat-trick of Race Weekend titles.

“I still win first place,” said the Moroccan, speaking through a translator with similar language skills to his own.

“What happened, it was not my fault. I think, yes, it is fair what they have done. I know that I win the race but it does not affect me.

“I know the circuit he did not. I think it is up to athlete to learn where to run, he should have done that. But I am still happy.”

Sawe was also, not surprisingly, happy with the ruling, although still a little unhappy with the near-collision.

“I think it is a good decision, so I can be happy,” said the affable Kenyan.

“But I still think it was my race. I was in a position to win and I would have done if it wasn't for the problem.

“It was a technical mess at the end. They need to think about ways to make it better. When you have two elite runners in such a close race they shouldn't be worrying about the others. They should have been making us the priority.

“It is a shame that this happened because I love Bermuda and I really enjoyed being here. It is a beautiful country and I want to come back again.”

The controversial ending marred what had, thus far, proven to be a fascinating marathon.

As the second loop began, Boubker, Sawe and Pamenos Ballantyne from St.Vincent all ran together, out in front by a clear mile.

At times running abreast, other times in a line, the three athletes were never separated by more than a couple of strides, even at water stations.

No athlete wanted to take the lead, allowing the three of them to rotate the lead, although Sawe was often bringing up the rear, albeit by a short distance.

Then with just over two miles to go, Boubker made a break. Sawe went with him but it was all too much for Ballantyne, who quickly fell behind and out of contention.

Only the barrier problems spoiled the finale, as Sawe was left with just too much to do after the hesitation and re-direction that occurred around Swan's position.

There was no such tight finish in the ladies' race, with Russian Marina Bychkova (2:56.07) easily taking victory over compatriot Vera Ilena (3:11.30)

“I very happy,” said the smiling young athlete.

“It is the most beautiful marathon I ever run. I not happy with my time, but it is tough course, lots of hills and very windy. It is nice to win. The people were very nice on the sides, they make it easier for me.”

In the local men's race, Kavin Smith ruined Brett Forgesson's prolonged victory streak, coming home in comfortably in 2:42.56 to clinch an impressive fourth place overall.

“It went very well for me,” said Smith.

“I would like to thank the Lord for blessing this race and blessing my performance. We should all rejoice at this time for letting this Race go so well.

“The last four to six miles were really tough as they always are. But it is nice to win and I am going to put usual training regimen in place for May 24.”

First local woman was the little known Karen Bordage who was third female overall in a creditable 3:18.40.