Female Runner's World boss accused of posting fake race times after Paula ... trends now
A senior editor at a prestigious running magazine who was publicly accused of cheating after claims she posted misleading timings for the London Marathon has told how she has 'been through hell' - as she was formally cleared of wrongdoing.
Kate Carter - who has held a world record for being the fastest woman to run a marathon in a full-body costume - was alleged to have posted fake times at last year's event.
It was claimed online that there was no evidence to show that Carter, 47, ran the entire race and may have used software to 'manually' create GPS data based on a course map that was four years out of date.
The amateur athlete who is Commissioning Editor at Runner's World magazine also came under suspicion for alleged 'course cutting' at the London Landmarks Half Marathon last April.
But Ms Carter later revealed this was down to her experiencing a 'Paula Radclife moment' and wetting herself while running - and her resulting embarrassment at trying to clean herself up.
Marathon runner Kate Carter (pictured) holding her medal after completing the Lisbon Half Marathon
Ms Carter (pictured) running in Prague where she set a personal best of 18:56
Ms Carter blamed the time discrepancy on a Paula Radcliffe-style toilet accident (Radcliffe is pictured pausing on the course during the 25th London Marathon in April 2005)
As she was finally formally vindicated, Ms Carter today hit out at trolls who had forced her to shut down her popular social media accounts as they bombarded her with abuse over the cheat claims.
Ms Carter said: 'We all now live in a world where people, often hiding behind fake identities, make accusations without regard for the truth or the consequences of their actions. But none of us expect to be caught in the whirlwind, or to have to cope with a relentless tide of abuse.
'It's horrible when thousands of people are accusing you of being a cheat and worse - I only wish those who accused me had actually gone to the relevant races and authorities first, before trying to destroy my career and reputation.
'In truth, I feel like I've been through hell, and I am not yet out of the other side. Running was a big part of my identity, whether it was volunteering, fundraising, racing or coaching for my local club, or writing about the sport I love. Having been cleared, I really hope to find that joy again.'
A spokesperson for governing body England Athletics confirmed: 'We received information relating to alleged cheating by an EA-licenced athlete in two events during
