Runner Esteban Prado was disqualified from the Orange County Marathon for receiving water from his father
A father's simple act of handing a water bottle to his son during a marathon has led to disqualification and controversy in California's Orange County Marathon.
Esteban Prado, 24, who had initially triumphed with a leading time of 2:24:54, found himself stripped of his victory due to a technical rule violation.
!['I'm getting better'- Timothy Cheruiyot reacts to second-place finish at Doha Diamond League](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/11052024/9351647e-0982-4723-8972-84a06a54d2b7.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:48 - 11.05.2024
'I'm getting better'- Timothy Cheruiyot reacts to second-place finish at Doha Diamond League
Timothy Cheruyiot has expressed his satisfaction following his second-place finish at the Diamond League Meeting in Doha.
The incident unfolded when Prado accepted water from his father, who was riding alongside him on a bicycle.
This act, though seemingly benign, contravened the U.S.A. Track & Field regulations, which stipulate that marathon runners can only receive refreshments from officially authorized personnel at designated stations.
![Beyonce a success blueprint for Sha'Carri Richardson as she chases history for Texas](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10052024/01361781-1172-40e1-b9bc-038d705d6d26.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
09:24 - 11.05.2024
Beyonce a success blueprint for Sha'Carri Richardson as she chases history for Texas
Sha'Carri Richardson has admitted that Beyonce has also set the bar high for her as she looks to make history for Texas this season.
The New York Times reported that Prado's disqualification was due to receiving "unauthorized assistance."
"The U.S.A. Track & Field rule book is clear that refreshment can only be taken from official refreshment stations on the course," said Garu Kutschar, the director of the Orange County Marathon.
"A competitor who collects refreshment from a place other than a refreshment station is liable to disqualification by the referee."
![How Sha'Carri Richardson manages to stay true to herself amid numerous ad shoots & training](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10052024/e158d784-e02b-46ee-9eed-992f94d74c0e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
20:30 - 10.05.2024
How Sha'Carri Richardson manages to stay true to herself amid numerous ad shoots & training
American sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson has disclosed how she manages to stay true to herself amid the numerous ads she has been involved in lately and balancing it out with training and competitions.
Prado was informed of his disqualification after celebrations had already begun.
The call came from Kutschar, who relayed that a competitor had reported seeing Prado take a water bottle from someone not affiliated with the race’s official stations.
"We were forced to disqualify a participant after it was confirmed they received unauthorized assistance," Kutschar added.
![Usain Bolt gushes over wife with mind-blowing lyrics from his new song](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10052024/5abcd774-e722-420e-a3e7-5c296d64e0ea.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
16:30 - 10.05.2024
Usain Bolt gushes over wife with mind-blowing lyrics from his new song
World record holder Usain Bolt has reassured his wife, Kasi Bennett, with mindblowing lyrics from his new song.
In an interview with ABC News’ Los Angeles station KABC, Prado expressed his disappointment and confusion over the rule.
"The only person that could see me within range was second place," Prado remarked, suggesting that his closest competitor might have been the one to report the incident.
"You get no money or anything. You know, if [the second-place] wanted that congratulations for that first place, if he really felt like he needed it, it's just for him at the end of the day."
![Justin Gatlin reveals key aspect he worked on in 2017 to finally beat Usain Bolt after 2015 glitch](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10052024/21e04d0d-47a3-41c6-942a-6960bbeb8fde.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
16:00 - 10.05.2024
Justin Gatlin reveals key aspect he worked on in 2017 to finally beat Usain Bolt after 2015 glitch
Gatlin has revealed the aspect about his racing he worked on after failing to beat an 'off form' Bolt at the 2015 World Championships to finally beat him in 2017.
Despite his disqualification, Prado remains defiant and satisfied with his performance.
"I really got nothing out of it. I know I won," he stated, highlighting his frustration but acceptance of the outcome.
This event has sparked a broader discussion about the rules governing marathons and whether they might sometimes undermine the spirit of the sport.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.