During a recent 10k trail race in Glasgow, an unfortunate incident occurred when a prankster impersonated a race marshal and misdirected participants. This event, organized by Acorn Trails, took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park, where approximately 30 out of 115 runners were led off course by the individual who buried directional arrow signs. The organizers expressed their concern regarding the potential risks associated with the prank, particularly in terms of runners’ safety and access to medical assistance.

Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer, the race organizers, shared their thoughts with Sky News, emphasizing that it is difficult to find humor in the situation. They highlighted the serious implications that could have arisen if a runner had required medical attention and was unable to reach help due to being misled. The organizers pointed out that not all participants were local, meaning some may have been unfamiliar with the area and its layout.

Mr. Osborne articulated the fine line between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation, urging the prankster to reflect on the possible consequences of their actions. He noted that the incident could have escalated if a runner had become lost, especially considering that essential items like warm clothing, refreshments, and first aid supplies were located at the finish line. This reflection underscores the importance of considering the safety and well-being of others in any situation.

In response to the disruption caused by the prank, Acorn Trails has offered a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next event. This gesture aims to acknowledge the inconvenience experienced by those who were misdirected during the race. The organizers also mentioned that they have held multiple successful events in the park previously, with only minor issues, such as signs being tossed aside, but nothing as severe as a course alteration.

Looking ahead, Mr. Osborne noted that the organization relies heavily on volunteers to serve as marshals at various points along the race course. While they strive to place volunteers in areas where runners may need guidance, it is not feasible to have a marshal at every directional sign due to limited resources. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in organizing such events and the importance of maintaining safety for all participants.

Original news source: Female prankster pretending to be marshal sends Glasgow runners on 2.5km detour during race (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group takes turns acting out different scenarios related to the incident in the article, such as “runner getting lost,” “race marshal pointing the wrong way,” or “organizers discussing safety.” The other groups must guess what is being acted out.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a set of statements related to the incident, such as “pranks during events should be allowed” or “safety should always come first in races.” Students will move to different corners of the room based on their agreement or disagreement with each statement, then discuss their opinions in small groups.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a large piece of paper or a whiteboard, write “10k Trail Race Incident” in the center. Students will work together to brainstorm and add related ideas, themes, and consequences from the article, creating a visual map that illustrates their understanding of the event and its implications.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to come up with catchy headlines for the article, focusing on the main events and their consequences. They can work individually or in pairs to create multiple headlines, then share them with the class for feedback.

– PASS THE STORY
Instructions: Begin a story based on the article, providing a sentence or two about the incident. Students will then take turns adding a sentence to the story, building on what the previous student said. This activity encourages collaborative storytelling while reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension of the article’s themes.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What event was taking place in Glasgow when the prank incident occurred?
2. How many runners were misdirected by the prankster during the race?
3. What specific actions did the prankster take to mislead the participants?
4. What concerns did the race organizers express regarding the prank?
5. How did Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer feel about the incident when they spoke to Sky News?
6. What potential consequences did Mr. Osborne highlight regarding the prankster’s actions?
7. What gesture did Acorn Trails offer to the affected runners in response to the incident?
8. What challenges did Mr. Osborne mention regarding the organization of the race and the placement of marshals?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

During a recent 10k trail race in Glasgow, an unfortunate incident (1)______ when a prankster impersonated a race marshal and misdirected (2)______. This event, organized by Acorn (3)______, took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park, where approximately 30 out of 115 runners were led off course by the (4)______ who buried directional arrow signs. The organizers expressed their concern regarding the potential risks associated with the prank, particularly in terms of runners’ safety and access to medical assistance.

Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer, the race organizers, shared their thoughts with Sky News, emphasizing that it is difficult to find (5)______ in the situation. They (6)______ the serious implications that could have arisen if a runner had required medical attention and was unable to reach help due to being misled. The organizers pointed out that not all participants were local, meaning some may have been unfamiliar with the area and its layout.

Mr. Osborne articulated the fine line between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation, urging the (7)______ to reflect on the possible consequences of their actions. He (8)______ that the incident could have escalated if a runner had become lost, especially considering that essential items like warm clothing, refreshments, and first aid (9)______ were located at the finish line. This reflection underscores the importance of considering the safety and well-being of others in any situation.

In response to the disruption caused by the (10)______, (11)______ Trails has offered a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next event. This gesture aims to (12)______ the inconvenience experienced by those who were misdirected during the race. The organizers also mentioned that they have held multiple successful events in the park previously, with only minor issues, such as signs being tossed aside, but nothing as severe as a course alteration.

Looking ahead, Mr. Osborne noted that the organization (13)______ heavily on volunteers to serve as marshals at various points along the race course. While they (14)______ to place volunteers in areas where runners may need guidance, it is not feasible to have a marshal at every directional sign due to limited resources. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in (15)______ such events and the importance of maintaining (16)______ for all participants.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on pranks that could potentially endanger others? Why or why not?
2. How would you feel if you were misdirected during a race and faced safety risks because of it?
3. Do you think there should be stricter penalties for pranks that disrupt public events? Why or why not?
4. What is a memorable experience you have had during a sporting event, and how did it impact you?
5. How do you think race organizers can improve safety measures to prevent incidents like this in the future?
6. Do you like participating in races or marathons? Why or why not?
7. What is a time when you had to rely on someone else for guidance or support? How did it feel?
8. Do you think humor can sometimes be inappropriate in serious situations? Why or why not?
9. How would you react if you discovered that a friend was involved in a prank like this?
10. What is your perspective on the balance between fun and safety in public events?
11. How do you think local communities can support events like trail races to ensure their success?
12. Do you believe that offering discounts or compensation is an effective way to address disruptions in events? Why or why not?
13. What is a risk you have taken in your life that you later reflected on? How did you feel about it?
14. How do you think technology could help improve the safety of participants in outdoor events?
15. Do you think that organizers should prioritize having more volunteers at events, even if it means fewer resources for other aspects? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. prankster
2. impersonated
3. misdirected
4. articulated
5. escalated
6. essential
7. reflection
8. disruption
9. inconvenience
10. gesture
11. acknowledge
12. feasible
13. resources
14. challenges
15. maintaining

Meanings:
(A) Supplies or materials that can be used to achieve a goal
(B) Absolutely necessary or extremely important
(C) Led in the wrong direction
(D) Possible to do easily or conveniently
(E) A person who plays tricks or practical jokes on others
(F) A situation that causes trouble or difficulty
(G) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome
(H) An action or sign that shows intention or feeling
(I) A disturbance or problem that interrupts an event or process
(J) Expressed or explained clearly
(K) To recognize or admit the existence or truth of something
(L) Keeping something in a particular state or condition
(M) Increased in intensity or seriousness
(N) Serious thought or consideration
(O) Pretended to be someone else
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What type of race was held in Glasgow?
(a) Marathon
(b) Half marathon
(c) Fun run
(d) 10k trail race

2. Who organized the race that experienced the prank incident?
(a) Glasgow Running Club
(b) Acorn Trails
(c) Trail Runners Association
(d) City Sports Events

3. How many runners were misdirected during the race?
(a) 50
(b) 75
(c) 30
(d) 100

4. What did the prankster do to mislead the participants?
(a) Changed the race start time
(b) Altered the race route
(c) Buried directional arrow signs
(d) Removed water stations

5. What safety concern did the organizers highlight regarding the incident?
(a) Weather conditions
(b) Access to medical assistance
(c) Runner fatigue
(d) Course elevation

6. What gesture did Acorn Trails offer to the affected runners?
(a) Free merchandise
(b) Additional training sessions
(c) Complimentary meals
(d) 50% discount on entry fees for the next event

7. What did Mr. Osborne emphasize about the prank?
(a) The fine line between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation
(b) The need for more volunteers
(c) The importance of competitive spirit
(d) The value of community support

8. Why is it challenging for the organizers to have marshals at every directional sign?
(a) Limited resources
(b) Lack of interest from volunteers
(c) High costs of hiring professionals
(d) Inadequate training of volunteers

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Approximately 30 out of 115 runners were misdirected by the prankster.
2. The incident highlighted the challenges of organizing races and ensuring participant safety.
3. Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer are not the race organizers who spoke to Sky News about the incident.
4. A prankster impersonated a race marshal during a 10k trail race in Glasgow.
5. The race organizers expressed reassurance about the minimal risks to runners’ safety due to the prank.
6. The organizers noted that they rely heavily on professionals to serve as marshals along the race course.
7. Acorn Trails offered a 50% discount on entry fees for affected runners for their next event.
8. The race was organized by Pinecone Paths and took place in Woodland Hills and Park Forest.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What actions did the prankster take that misdirected the runners during the 10k trail race?
2. How did the race organizers, Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer, respond to the incident in terms of runner safety?
3. What measures did Acorn Trails implement to address the inconvenience faced by the affected runners?
4. In what ways did the incident highlight the challenges of organizing trail races?
5. What is the significance of relying on volunteers for marshalling during events like the 10k trail race?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What event was taking place in Glasgow when the prank incident occurred?
A 10k trail race organized by Acorn Trails.

2. How many runners were misdirected by the prankster during the race?
Approximately 30 out of 115 runners.

3. What specific actions did the prankster take to mislead the participants?
The prankster impersonated a race marshal and buried directional arrow signs.

4. What concerns did the race organizers express regarding the prank?
They were concerned about the potential risks to runners’ safety and access to medical assistance.

5. How did Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer feel about the incident when they spoke to Sky News?
They found it difficult to find humor in the situation and emphasized its serious implications.

6. What potential consequences did Mr. Osborne highlight regarding the prankster’s actions?
He noted that a runner could have become lost and unable to reach medical help, especially if they required assistance.

7. What gesture did Acorn Trails offer to the affected runners in response to the incident?
They offered a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next event.

8. What challenges did Mr. Osborne mention regarding the organization of the race and the placement of marshals?
He mentioned that while they strive to place volunteers at various points, it is not feasible to have a marshal at every directional sign due to limited resources.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) occurred
(2) participants
(3) Trails
(4) individual
(5) humor
(6) highlighted
(7) prankster
(8) noted
(9) supplies
(10) prank
(11) Acorn
(12) acknowledge
(13) relies
(14) strive
(15) organizing
(16) safety
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. prankster
Answer: (E) A person who plays tricks or practical jokes on others

2. impersonated
Answer: (O) Pretended to be someone else

3. misdirected
Answer: (C) Led in the wrong direction

4. articulated
Answer: (J) Expressed or explained clearly

5. escalated
Answer: (M) Increased in intensity or seriousness

6. essential
Answer: (B) Absolutely necessary or extremely important

7. reflection
Answer: (N) Serious thought or consideration

8. disruption
Answer: (I) A disturbance or problem that interrupts an event or process

9. inconvenience
Answer: (F) A situation that causes trouble or difficulty

10. gesture
Answer: (H) An action or sign that shows intention or feeling

11. acknowledge
Answer: (K) To recognize or admit the existence or truth of something

12. feasible
Answer: (D) Possible to do easily or conveniently

13. resources
Answer: (A) Supplies or materials that can be used to achieve a goal

14. challenges
Answer: (G) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome

15. maintaining
Answer: (L) Keeping something in a particular state or condition
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What type of race was held in Glasgow?
Answer: (d) 10k trail race

2. Who organized the race that experienced the prank incident?
Answer: (b) Acorn Trails

3. How many runners were misdirected during the race?
Answer: (c) 30

4. What did the prankster do to mislead the participants?
Answer: (c) Buried directional arrow signs

5. What safety concern did the organizers highlight regarding the incident?
Answer: (b) Access to medical assistance

6. What gesture did Acorn Trails offer to the affected runners?
Answer: (d) 50% discount on entry fees for the next event

7. What did Mr. Osborne emphasize about the prank?
Answer: (a) The fine line between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation

8. Why is it challenging for the organizers to have marshals at every directional sign?
Answer: (a) Limited resources
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Approximately 30 out of 115 runners were misdirected by the prankster. (Answer: True)
2. The incident highlighted the challenges of organizing races and ensuring participant safety. (Answer: True)
3. Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer are not the race organizers who spoke to Sky News about the incident. (Answer: False)
4. A prankster impersonated a race marshal during a 10k trail race in Glasgow. (Answer: True)
5. The race organizers expressed reassurance about the minimal risks to runners’ safety due to the prank. (Answer: False)
6. The organizers noted that they rely heavily on professionals to serve as marshals along the race course. (Answer: False)
7. Acorn Trails offered a 50% discount on entry fees for affected runners for their next event. (Answer: True)
8. The race was organized by Pinecone Paths and took place in Woodland Hills and Park Forest. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧