Shock moment jobsworth race official tackles OAP runner, 70, yards from finish line leaving him with dislocated shoulder

THIS is the shocking moment a race official tackles an elderly runner yards from the finish line – leaving the pensioner with a dislocated shoulder. Disgraceful footage showed the jobsworth employee clobbering the 70-year-old runner mid-track – all because he didn’t sign up for the event. Shocking footage showed the athlete being clobbered Credit: Newsflash The OAP was knocked to the ground Credit: Newsflash In the hard-to-watch clip, recorded in Huamantla, Mexico, during the popular Colour Race, an event official can be seen standing in the way of the athletes. Moments later, the elderly runner, known locally as Don Jose, is knocked down by the brazen staff member who extends his arm out in a bid to stop him. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! He goes tumbling to the ground and appears to briefly roll around in pain. The employee barely checks on him before going back to standing in the middle of the track. The runner, known as Don Jose, was reportedly left with a dislocated shoulder Credit: Newsflash The old runner was helped up by a different staff member Credit: Newsflash Shortly after, the OAP is helped up by a different official, before he walks off, clearly upset by the ordeal. The race took place as part of celebrations for the International Fair of the Ephemeral Art and the Dahlia. Don Jose said he had attempted to register for the race but was unable to secure a place because registrations had already closed. Despite not having an official race number, he decided to complete the route and run alongside registered competitors. Most read in Sport He said he was only around six feet from the finish line when a member of staff intervened and bashed him down in front of dozens of appalled spectators. The runner suffered a shoulder injury, with doctors suspecting a fissure or dislocation following the fall. Don Jose later confirmed that the injury meant he would no longer be able to take part in the 2026 Mexico City Marathon, a race he had been preparing for over several months. The astonishing footage sparked online backlash – with debates igniting over the official’s actions but also runners taking part without signing up. Race organisers and athletes have argued that non-registered participants can affect race logistics – including access to water stations, and safety controls. But many have said the ordeal should have been managed in a much more professional way. The man accused of knocking Don Jose down was identified as Ricardo Romano Corona, a member of the organising firm Zona T. After the online frenzy, Ricardo published a video accepting responsibility and apologising for his actions. The company said it was reviewing what happened and admitted “inappropriate behaviour” took place while staff were monitoring the finish area. Don Jose and Ricardo’s family later reached a private settlement mediated by the city’s mayor. The two sides agreed that Ricardo would cover Don Jose’s medical bills in return for the athlete not pursuing criminal charges. Comment now