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Johnston (53) was disqualified from the men’s 50-54 race of mastery in the New Zealand Cross Country Challenge at Chisholm Links on Saturday for spitting.
Yes, having a hoick, or two, put Johnston out of the race, which he won, or was the first to cross the line.
Johnston said he felt it was a bit harsh that he had been disqualified.
” I guess with Covid rules they have introduced this, but it seems a bit of a stretch. If I was feeling bad, I wouldn’t have run anyway, ” he said.
The information sheet handed out at the event stated that no spitting or discharge of mucus would be allowed and that anyone who did so in an offensive manner could be disqualified.
Like the march, those who spit would face a yellow card which would be a warning followed by a red card for disqualification.
The double Olympian said he never saw cards and was puzzled that only the masters race was considered to have runners breaking the rules on spitting, although Johnston was the only one disqualified.
” When you run strong, you have phlegm in your mouth and I ran strong. But I don’t remember spitting. I saw people spitting before the start of the race. ”
Johnston wasn’t too disappointed with the disqualification.
Athletics Otago President Kevin O’Sullivan, who helped organize the event on behalf of Athletics NZ, said athletes traditionally spit, but in these Covid-19 moments athletes had to be careful and follow the rules.
It was an understandable mistake by Johnston, O’Sullivan said.
Senior male winner Hayden Wilde said after his race that he was careful not to spit during the race.