'We're not going to run from it': Sydney Marathon laughs off medal error

The organisers of Sydney Marathon have laughed off a mistake which saw a German stadium etched on to medals for participants, saying "we're not going to run from it".

Questions arose after the event's official social media account unveiled the design of this year's medal earlier in the week, which had mistakenly etched Allianz Arena, based in the German city of Munich, instead of Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

A spokesperson for the Sydney Marathon told the BBC: "A little too much international flavour has found its way onto the back of the finishers medal, with an incorrect depiction of the stadium."

Recognisable Sydney landmarks feature on the double-sided medal, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which are part of the 42.2km (26.2 mile) course.

Users on social media noticed the shape of the stadium engraved on the medal appeared to be carved in the wrong likeness.

Munich's Allianz Arena is sculpted by thousands of diamond-shaped inflatable cushions, while Sydney's similarly named Allianz Stadium has a flatter facade smoothed with long bronze fins.

Sydney Marathon confirmed runners would receive the medal depicting the incorrect city's stadium, noting: "It's a beautiful medal, and now a little more unique."

"It's certainly given everyone something to talk about this weekend, mostly in good humour."