Off! Eastbourne Half Marathon is Covid's latest sporting casualty

This year's Eastbourne Half Marathon is off.
The start of the race last year / Picture: Jon RigbyThe start of the race last year / Picture: Jon Rigby
The start of the race last year / Picture: Jon Rigby

Organisers gave it as long as they could but with the race due to be held on Sunday, March 7, there was little prospect it could have survived in anything like its normal form.

They have now decided to cancel the race, which will disappoint the hundreds of runners who had planned to take part and the many charities that would have benefitted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But runners are being encouraged to run the half marathon virtually so they can still raise charitable funds.

Action from the 2020 event / Picture: Jon RigbyAction from the 2020 event / Picture: Jon Rigby
Action from the 2020 event / Picture: Jon Rigby

March 7 is only three weeks after the current hoped-for end of the national lockdown - and there are fears it could take many regions a long time after that to get back to normal.

A statement said: "After much deliberation and with great sadness, the organisers of the Eastbourne Half Marathon have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.

"We take the safety and health of all our entrants, volunteers and spectators very seriously and with the ongoing Covid-19 situation, especially locally here in Eastbourne, we have had to take this decision.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Sadly it is all the various charities that benefit from this event, and others like it, that are really affecting the desperately needed income. So if you are able and keen, why not still run the event virtually and still try to raise some much needed funds for Chestnut Tree House or St. Wilfrid’s Hospice.

"To all entrants that have already entered the race for this year, there is no need to do anything - your place will automatically be transferred to 2022. If you are unable to run in 2022, your place can either be deferred to 2023 or transferred to somebody else free of charge.

"If you have ordered any merchandise - this order will also be simply transferred to 2022. Let us hope we can return bigger and better in 2022 and the date for next year will be Sunday March 6th 2022.

"The health of all people is what is Important at this difficult time, and we would encourage everyone to follow Government guidelines to protect themselves and others from this dreadful virus. Our thanks to everyone for your valued support and understanding."

Related topics: