Horry Georgetown Technical College apologized this week after a faculty member handed out pill bottles full of M&Ms to children at the Myrtle Beach Marathon’s Fun Run.

College officials said the professor, who wasn’t identified, distributed the containers Friday afternoon as a way to promote the school’s medical technology program. But the candy packaged as pharmaceuticals prompted a strong response from some unhappy parents. College officials posted an apology on the school’s Facebook page Monday morning.

“While we know this professor meant the candy to serve as a treat, the method of distribution may have confused pre-school children whose parents have taught them not to take pills from pharmaceutical bottles,” HGTC officials wrote. “The college administration deeply apologizes for the distress and confusion this action may have caused and seeks your forgiveness for our thoughtlessness.”