Recently, a 10k trail race in Glasgow faced a strange problem when someone pretended to be a race marshal and misled the runners. This race, organized by Acorn Trails, took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park. About 30 out of the 115 runners were sent off the right path because the prankster hid the signs that showed where to go. The organizers were worried about how this could have put runners in danger, especially if they needed medical help.

Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer, who organized the race, talked to Sky News about how serious the situation was. They said it was hard to find anything funny about what happened. They were especially concerned that if a runner got hurt and couldn’t find help because they were lost, it could have been a big problem. They also pointed out that not all the runners were from the area, so some might not have known where to go.

Mr. Osborne explained that there is a big difference between a harmless joke and something that could be dangerous. He urged the prankster to think about how their actions could have affected others. If a runner got lost, it could have been really serious, especially since important things like warm clothes, snacks, and first aid were only at the finish line. This situation shows how important it is to think about the safety of everyone involved.

To make up for the trouble caused by the prank, Acorn Trails is giving a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next race. This is a way to recognize the inconvenience those runners faced. The organizers mentioned that they have successfully held many events in the park before, with only small issues, but nothing as serious as this. Looking forward, Mr. Osborne said they depend on volunteers to help guide runners, but they can’t have someone at every sign because of limited resources. This incident highlights the challenges of organizing events and the need to keep everyone safe.

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

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into teams. Each team will take turns acting out key phrases or concepts from the article without speaking, while the other team guesses what it is. Use terms like “race marshal,” “prankster,” and “medical help.”

– NEWS SUMMARY
Instructions: In pairs, students will summarize the article in their own words. Each pair will then share their summary with the class, focusing on the main points and the implications of the incident.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Pose the question, “Do you think the prankster should be punished?” Students will move to different areas of the classroom based on their opinions (agree, disagree, neutral). Then, each group will discuss their reasons and share with the class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to create an engaging headline for the article that captures the main event and its seriousness. Afterward, students will share their headlines and discuss why they chose them.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a large sheet of paper or whiteboard, students will create a mind map based on the article. They should include key themes such as safety, organization, and the impact of pranks. Each student can contribute ideas and connections.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What unusual problem did the 10k trail race in Glasgow face?
2. How many runners were misled by the prankster during the race?
3. Why were the race organizers particularly worried about the situation?
4. What did Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer say about the seriousness of the prank?
5. What important items were only available at the finish line for the runners?
6. How is Acorn Trails trying to make up for the trouble caused to the affected runners?
7. What did Mr. Osborne say about the difference between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation?
8. What challenges do the organizers face when it comes to ensuring the safety of runners during events?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Recently, a 10k trail race in Glasgow faced a (1)______ problem when someone (2)______ to be a race marshal and misled the runners. This race, (3)______ by Acorn Trails, took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park. About 30 out of the 115 runners were sent off the right path because the prankster hid the signs that showed where to go. The (4)______ were worried about how this could have put runners in danger, especially if they needed medical help.

Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer, who organized the race, talked to Sky News about how serious the situation was. They said it was hard to find anything (5)______ about what happened. They were especially concerned that if a (6)______ got hurt and couldn’t find help because they were lost, it could have been a big problem. They also pointed out that not all the runners were from the area, so some might not have (7)______ where to go.

Mr. Osborne explained that there is a big (8)______ between a harmless joke and something that could be dangerous. He urged the prankster to think about how their actions could have affected others. If a runner got lost, it could have been really serious, especially since (9)______ things like warm clothes, snacks, and first aid were only at the finish line. This situation (10)______ how important it is to think about the safety of everyone involved.

To make up for the (11)______ caused by the prank, (12)______ Trails is giving a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next race. This is a way to recognize the inconvenience those runners faced. The organizers (13)______ that they have successfully held many events in the park before, with only small (14)______, but nothing as serious as this. Looking forward, Mr. Osborne said they depend on volunteers to help guide runners, but they can’t have someone at every sign because of limited resources. This incident (15)______ the challenges of (16)______ events and the need to keep everyone safe.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion about practical jokes? Do you think they are funny or can they sometimes be dangerous?

2. How would you feel if you were lost during a race and couldn’t find help?

3. Do you think it’s important to have volunteers at events like races? Why or why not?

4. Have you ever participated in a race or a similar event? What was your experience like?

5. What is a prank that you think went too far? Why did you feel that way?

6. How do you think the prankster felt after realizing their actions caused problems for the runners?

7. Do you like running or participating in sports? What do you enjoy most about it?

8. Do you think organizers should offer discounts or refunds when something goes wrong at an event? Why or why not?

9. How would you feel if you were one of the runners who got lost because of the prank?

10. What is a situation where you had to rely on someone else for help? How did it make you feel?

11. Do you believe that people should think more about the consequences of their actions? Why or why not?

12. How would you react if you saw someone playing a dangerous prank at an event?

13. What is a lesson you think organizers can learn from this incident?

14. Do you think it’s easier or harder to organize events nowadays compared to the past? Why?

15. How important do you think safety is at public events? What measures do you think should be taken to ensure it?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. prankster
2. misled
3. organizers
4. inconvenience
5. harmless
6. resources
7. volunteers
8. recognize
9. situation
10. discount
11. serious
12. affected
13. depend
14. highlights
15. challenges

Meanings:
(A) A reduction in price
(B) A set of circumstances or a condition
(C) People who offer to help without getting paid
(D) Influenced or changed by something
(E) People who plan and manage events
(F) Someone who plays tricks or jokes on others
(G) To acknowledge or show appreciation for something
(H) To draw attention to something important
(I) Guided in the wrong direction
(J) A problem or trouble that causes discomfort
(K) To rely on or trust someone or something
(L) Not causing any harm or damage
(M) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome
(N) Supplies or materials that are available for use
(O) Important and needing careful thought
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What event did the prankster disrupt in Glasgow?
(a) A marathon
(b) A cycling race
(c) A 10k trail race
(d) A charity walk

2. Who organized the race that was affected by the prank?
(a) Acorn Trails
(b) Glasgow Running Club
(c) City Sports Events
(d) Trail Runners United

3. How many runners were misled by the prankster during the race?
(a) 50
(b) 70
(c) 100
(d) 30

4. What was the main concern of the race organizers regarding the prank?
(a) The race would be delayed
(b) Runners could be put in danger
(c) Runners would complain
(d) The weather would change

5. What did the race organizers offer to the affected runners as compensation?
(a) A 50% discount on entry fees for their next race
(b) A free meal at the finish line
(c) A medal for participation
(d) A refund for the race

6. What did Mr. Osborne emphasize about the prankster’s actions?
(a) They were meant to be funny
(b) They were harmless
(c) They were a common occurrence
(d) They could have serious consequences

7. What resources did the organizers mention were only available at the finish line?
(a) Water and energy drinks
(b) Warm clothes, snacks, and first aid
(c) Medals and certificates
(d) T-shirts and hats

8. What challenge did the organizers face regarding volunteers?
(a) They had too many volunteers
(b) Volunteers were not trained properly
(c) They couldn’t have someone at every sign due to limited resources
(d) Volunteers were not interested in helping

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. A 10k trail race in Edinburgh had a solution when someone claimed to be a race marshal.
2. The race was organized by Acorn Trails and took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park.
3. The organizers rely on volunteers to help guide runners but can’t have someone at every sign due to limited resources.
4. The prankster’s actions could have made it hard for lost runners to find help.
5. The race organizers were relieved that runners were not in danger if they needed medical help.
6. Acorn Trails is offering a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next race.
7. Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer spoke to Sky News about the lightheartedness of the situation.
8. About 30 out of 115 runners were misled because the prankster hid the signs.
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 happened during the 10k trail race in Glasgow that caused confusion for the runners?
2. Why were the race organizers worried about the prankster’s actions?
3. How did the organizers plan to help the runners who were affected by the prank?
4. What did Mr. Osborne say about the difference between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation?
5. Why is it important for event organizers to think about the safety of everyone involved?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What unusual problem did the 10k trail race in Glasgow face?
The race faced a problem where someone pretended to be a race marshal and misled the runners by hiding the signs that showed the correct path.

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

3. Why were the race organizers particularly worried about the situation?
The organizers were worried because if a runner got hurt and couldn’t find help due to being lost, it could lead to serious problems, especially since not all runners were familiar with the area.

4. What did Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer say about the seriousness of the prank?
They said it was hard to find anything funny about the prank and emphasized that it could have endangered runners, particularly if they needed medical assistance.

5. What important items were only available at the finish line for the runners?
Important items like warm clothes, snacks, and first aid were only available at the finish line.

6. How is Acorn Trails trying to make up for the trouble caused to the affected runners?
Acorn Trails is offering a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next race.

7. What did Mr. Osborne say about the difference between a harmless joke and a dangerous situation?
Mr. Osborne explained that there is a significant difference between a harmless joke and actions that could potentially endanger others.

8. What challenges do the organizers face when it comes to ensuring the safety of runners during events?
The organizers face challenges in having enough volunteers to guide runners, as they can’t have someone at every sign due to limited resources.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) strange
(2) pretended
(3) organized
(4) organizers
(5) funny
(6) runner
(7) known
(8) difference
(9) important
(10) shows
(11) trouble
(12) Acorn
(13) mentioned
(14) issues
(15) highlights
(16) organizing
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. prankster
Answer: (F) Someone who plays tricks or jokes on others

2. misled
Answer: (I) Guided in the wrong direction

3. organizers
Answer: (E) People who plan and manage events

4. inconvenience
Answer: (J) A problem or trouble that causes discomfort

5. harmless
Answer: (L) Not causing any harm or damage

6. resources
Answer: (N) Supplies or materials that are available for use

7. volunteers
Answer: (C) People who offer to help without getting paid

8. recognize
Answer: (G) To acknowledge or show appreciation for something

9. situation
Answer: (B) A set of circumstances or a condition

10. discount
Answer: (A) A reduction in price

11. serious
Answer: (O) Important and needing careful thought

12. affected
Answer: (D) Influenced or changed by something

13. depend
Answer: (K) To rely on or trust someone or something

14. highlights
Answer: (H) To draw attention to something important

15. challenges
Answer: (M) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What event did the prankster disrupt in Glasgow?
Answer: (c) A 10k trail race

2. Who organized the race that was affected by the prank?
Answer: (a) Acorn Trails

3. How many runners were misled by the prankster during the race?
Answer: (d) 30

4. What was the main concern of the race organizers regarding the prank?
Answer: (b) Runners could be put in danger

5. What did the race organizers offer to the affected runners as compensation?
Answer: (a) A 50% discount on entry fees for their next race

6. What did Mr. Osborne emphasize about the prankster’s actions?
Answer: (d) They could have serious consequences

7. What resources did the organizers mention were only available at the finish line?
Answer: (b) Warm clothes, snacks, and first aid

8. What challenge did the organizers face regarding volunteers?
Answer: (c) They couldn’t have someone at every sign due to limited resources
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. A 10k trail race in Edinburgh had a solution when someone claimed to be a race marshal. (Answer: False)
2. The race was organized by Acorn Trails and took place in Castlemilk Woodland and Linn Park. (Answer: True)
3. The organizers rely on volunteers to help guide runners but can’t have someone at every sign due to limited resources. (Answer: True)
4. The prankster’s actions could have made it hard for lost runners to find help. (Answer: True)
5. The race organizers were relieved that runners were not in danger if they needed medical help. (Answer: False)
6. Acorn Trails is offering a 50% discount on entry fees for the affected runners for their next race. (Answer: False)
7. Alex Osborne and Michelle Sinsheimer spoke to Sky News about the lightheartedness of the situation. (Answer: False)
8. About 30 out of 115 runners were misled because the prankster hid the signs. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧