An official response by the running festival states that Holmsater’s disqualification was the result of a clerical error that may have been caused by staff turnover.
A man surnamed Li had enjoyed his own 5 kilometer run, but was disappointed about Holmsater's situation. "The officials should acknowledge his accomplishment and award him the prize," he concurred. "If they don't, people will lose interest in joining this festival."
Other people found the race's organization substandard in its inaccurate distance markers, insufficient toilet facilities and one inadequately supplied water station.