Group of horse riders attacked runners with whips and stones during competition in Río Negro

Chaos erupted during the 17th edition of the "Doble Apolo" trail running competition in Río Negro, Argentina, when a group of horse riders attacked participants with whips and stones. The incident occurred in the protected natural area of Paso Córdoba, near General Roca.

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Get them out, get them out!

Videos shared on social media show the riders intercepting athletes on an 8-kilometer section of the course. The riders are seen throwing stones and striking the runners with whips as the athletes attempted to continue the race. In some instances, horses blocked runners trying to evade the attackers, and some were pursued for several meters.

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Why don't you respect us?

During the confrontation, verbal exchanges took place. The riders were heard shouting demands, while the runners questioned the aggression and stated they were following the marked route. The organization reported that the horse riders also removed parts of the circuit's signage, leading to disorientation for several competitors.

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We were told we could go straight through here.

One of the affected runners, Fernando Castro, described being hit with boleadoras on the head and having his shirt torn. He stated that he was unable to recover from the attack and eventually abandoned the race due to cramps. The organizers have announced their intention to file a formal complaint with the judicial authorities regarding the assault and the interference with the competition.

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There was a protest. We scattered and didn't know where to go because there was no signage, but we found our way and could continue.