MOST big sporting events go ahead on schedule . . . unless you’re in Hungary.

The capital, Budapest, is scenic, lively and friendly, and its international marathon enjoys a picturesque route and encouraging crowd support.

Trouble is, the interfering Hungarian government can’t be relied on to let it take place on the correct date.

I was supposed to run this year’s on Sunday 12 October.

It would have been my 41st marathon and first in Budapest.

But, on 29 August, I was informed that the Hungarian government had unexpectedly announced municipal elections for race day.

The marathon, it was decided, would allegedly interfere with voting, so it was moved forward to the Saturday.

I was among many entrants who now couldn’t take part because flights and accommodation were booked, and I couldn’t get there before the new start.

I arrived in Budapest to watch runners finishing in unseasonal 25c (77f) sunshine, wishing I had been able to join them.

The date change was revealed in a ‘couldn’t care less’ manner by email.

I thought it was a hoax, and then it was confirmed on the marathon website, prompting outrage on Facebook.

Such a last-minute alteration is unheard of at any globally recognised marathon.

Displaying casual indifference towards runners coming from 68 countries is hardly good for international relations.

I’ve got my £50 entry fee back, but I won’t run the risk of spending it on next year’s Budapest Marathon!