Shipping attacks delay Inverness marathon T-shirts and medals

This year's Inverness Half Marathon and 5k is to take place on 10 March

Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have delayed a delivery of T-shirts and medals for next month's Inverness Half Marathon and 5k.

Organisers said the items would not arrive in time for the 10 March events due to the ship carrying the delivery being re-routed around South Africa, and other demands on shipping.

The Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group, considers Israel an enemy and has been attacking shipping in response to the war in Gaza.

The situation affecting the Inverness Half Marathon and 5k was first reported in the Inverness Courier.

In a social media post, the events' organisers said: "Due to unforeseen shipping delays as a result of the Houthi rebel attacks on container ships in the Red Sea, unfortunately it won’t be possible to hand out finisher medals and half marathon finisher T-shirts at the finish line on 10 March.

"Instead, we will be posting these to all finishers as soon as possible after the event.

"We know how important your finisher items are to you and we are disappointed not to be able to hand over your commemorative medal and technical T-shirt as you cross the finish line."

The Houthis say they are targeting ships which are Israeli-owned, flagged or operated, or which are heading to Israeli ports.

However, many of the vessels which have been attacked have no connection with Israel.

Also among those attacked was a British-linked tanker, which the Houthis said was in response to "American-British aggression".

US and UK naval and air forces have been carrying strikes against Houthis targets.

Major shipping companies have stopped using the Red Sea - through which almost 15% of global seaborne trade usually passes - and are using a much longer route around southern Africa instead.