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A 10K runner lost her opportunity at a $10,000 first-place prize on Tuesday after taking a costly wrong turn. Senbere Teferi was just moments away from crossing the finish line before making the unfortunate error.
Instead of winning the Peachtree Road Race for a second consecutive year, she took third place. The difference in prize money was $7,000.
Many online have been quick to comment on the mistake, which occurred on the Fourth of July.
Teferi entered the 2023 edition of the Peachtree Road Race as the reigning champion, but she’d leave with a forgettable experience. After leading in the final stages of the Atlanta-based race, she mistakenly followed a police motorcycle off the course path.
The motorcycle had been pacing the action, but it decided to turn off the track with the finishing line approaching.
Not realizing that she needed to remain on a straight line to the finish, Teferi hung a right. The runner’s wrong turn has now gone viral online.
Heartbreak for Senbere Teferi as she takes a wrong turn meters from the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race. It cost her a second consecutive win in the Atlanta 4th of July 10k.@atln pic.twitter.com/vg40krYnHb
— Fred Campagna (@FredCampagna) July 4, 2023
Despite officials and crowd members attempting to divert her to the original course, Teferi continued to follow the motorcycle. By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late.
A pair of fellow racers passed her following the mix-up, and she’d wind up finishing third. Fans on social media were quick to comment on the result.
One follower wrote, “Bummer!” while another said, “This is very sad, indeed.”
Someone else stated, “This shows the confusion well. Really hate it for her though. Dang. Heartbreaking.”
Many blamed the cop for the runner’s wrong turn with this person asking, “Why did that police officer lead her off the track?”
While Senbere Teferi wouldn’t go home empty-handed, having a chance at $10,000 slip away will certainly sting.