Runners in California were left fuming as their cars were towed while they were running an annual half-marathon, leading to them being charged “hundreds of dollars.”

For the last few years, runners have been able to compete in the Binational Half Marathon, which sees them run between two neighboring cities – San Diego and Tijuana. This means crossing the US border into Mexico while running, making it a unique race for people to take part in.

However, this year’s race has come under some controversy. Participants have accused the organizers of being disorganized, as their cars were towed.

Speaking to Fox 5 in San Diego, runners said they were directed to park in a designated parking lot for the race, but returned from their run to find cars taken to the Western Towing office. 

Runners have cars towed during half-marathon

“We get there. and there’s no car. I was like, ‘Where is my car?’ I was not the only one: all these people are part of it, which is unfortunate,” Bernice Diaz told Fox 5. 

Daniela Teodoro said they had “no issue” during last year’s race, but ended up having her car towed this year too. 

“The team for Binational was instructing us to park in a parking lot. When we got back, our car was gone,” another runner, Alex Rodriguez, said. “They told us it was our fault, but it’s not our fault when the official people of the Binational Half Marathon instructed us to park there.”

Another runner told Fox 5 that they’ve asked to be reimbursed for the towing cost, but they haven’t received any answers from the Binational Race Team. 

The organizers told the outlet that none of their staff “were assigned to direct or manage vehicle traffic or parking” at the lots that have caused the issues. 

“This is a separate property that was not designated or communicated by Binational Race as an authorized parking location. Our official parking options were Las Americas Premium Outlets and Baja-Mex Ped West Parking,” they said. 

If the Binational Half Marathon isn’t unique enough for you, then there is a Taco Bell ultramarathon that forces runners to eat nine meals in 31 miles.