TWO Malvern Joggers' committee members have resigned following an investigation into cheating at the London Marathon.

The group's secretary was accused of allowing her husband to run on her behalf, while the Malvern Joggers' kit organiser allegedly wore a copied entry number.

The club has informed the London Marathon about the resignations in a bid to safeguard its guaranteed places at the event.

Runners ordinarily have to enter a ballot to be in with a chance of taking part in the annual race.

Carl Flint, chair of Malvern Joggers, said: "We discovered that after the London Marathon two Malvern Joggers had broken the Virgin London Marathon rules.

"Following our investigations, I have accepted their resignations. Looking to the future, we have informed members of the club that we will take action regarding any infringement with the race organisers regulations."

Malvern Joggers receives guaranteed entry places in the marathon as it is affiliated with - and contributes towards - England Athletics.

A spokesman for England Athletics said: "We are aware of an allegation of number sharing - a breach of United Kingdom Athletics Competition Rule 143 Section 2.2.iii - at this year’s London Marathon.

"The race organisers have also been made aware of this allegation. A decision on any further disciplinary action by England Athletics will be taken in due course."

A Virgin Money London Marathon spokesman added: "We are aware of the incident and are currently investigating."

Competition Rule 143 Section 2.2.iii states that entry numbers are assigned to the whoever fills out the application form for the marathon.

Athletes who receive transferred numbers without permission will be disqualified from the race and those involved will be disciplined.