Marathon joint winner Simon Sawe has called for separate lanes to be used for Marathon and Half Marathon finishes to avoid the “technical mess” which he believes cost him outright victory on Sunday.

The final event of International Race Weekend ended dramatically with Sawe narrowly losing out to Moroccan El Afoui Boubker in a sprint finish for the line.

But the 20-year-old Kenyan appealed after he nearly took a wrong turn at the Birdcage and just avoided a collision with Race Weekend technical officer Gerry Swan and a barrier.

The protest was upheld and the result was declared a tie.

“I was in a position to win and I would have done if it wasn't for the problem,” said Sawe shortly before Sunday's awards ceremony.

“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.

“Maybe they can bring in a two-lane system or at least find a way of radioing in that we are coming and then making sure we get looked after.”

Swan agreed there was “some merit in his suggestion” but said they had considered a two-lane system in recent years and had discounted it because of the lack of space at that end of Front Street.

Swan, also the national athletics coach, said they had been hoping to staff this year's event with extra volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the finish but admitted that “a few people dropped out at the last minute, either calling up sick or getting called into work”.

He said that the problem arose because the Kenyan saw the coloured Marathon sign pointing to the right and “made a split-second decision” and nearly went the wrong way.

“I pointed and shouted and called him back and then I had to bring my arms as he came so close to me,” he said.

“There was no collision with either me or the barrier.”

Despite the hiccup, which ended amicably with both athletes accepting the shared first prize graciously, Swan was delighted with the way Race Weekend went.

“I thought it was one of the best Race Weekends we have had,” he added, with a tired smile.

“The weather was some of the best I remember and we had some good races. I thought there was a nice atmosphere all weekend and all the athletes seemed to really enjoy themselves.

“I think we can count it as a success.”

A number of athletes The Royal Gazette spoke to over the weekend shared that view, with many of them vowing to return.

“I think it is a lovely country, I think the Bermuda people are very friendly and I would like to come back,” said Sawe.

“It is the most beautiful marathon I have ever run,” said women's champ Marina Bychkova.

“It was great again this weekend,” said James Thie, who came fourth in his bid for a third consecutive Front Street Mile title.

“I really love this place and it was great to be back even though I didn't get the result I wanted. I think we should all be thankful to David Barber for putting in all that money.

“We all love to come here and we are glad the weekend was saved.”