No Gaol Break race in Wicklow this year
WICKLOW town suffered another blow amidst the coronavirus crisis with the cancellation of this year’s KBC Wicklow Gaol Break and Half Marathon due to take place on Sunday, March 22.
The increasingly popular coastal run is now in its twelfth year and annually attracts over 1,500 participants.
Event organiser Eoin Ryan of Ryano Event Management said there was little option but to cancel the event.
‘We are massively disappointed but it’s the right call. A lot of hard work went into the race and there are a lot of funding costs involved as well. It has always been a great spinner for Wicklow town too but there is nothing we can do. It’s a pity for the local Scouts and Ashford Athletic Club because we usually always make a donation to them. That’s unfortunate as well’ said Mr Ryan.
The Wexford Half Marathon and 10K due to take place on April 26 has now been postponed and Mr Ryan has plans to combine the cancelled Wicklow event with the postponed Wexford Race.
He said: ‘I’m pushing to two events together for a date on September 20 in Wexford town. Wexford can take a bigger event than Wicklow town. I made the decision reluctantly but there was little choice.’
Anyone already registered to take part in the Wicklow
Gaol Break can transfer to another race taking place later in the year or defer until 2021. Those already registered for the Wicklow event can also take part in the Wexford event on September 20 instead, where they will receive an extra medal and a long-sleeved training top.
There is also a ‘Virtual Medal’ option, whereby you receive a refund for the cancelled Wicklow race, with a €10 charge for a virtual medal so you can run your own half marathon. The medal will be posted out to you. FULL refunds are also available for anyone registered for the Wicklow Gaol Break 2020 and who can’t participate in an alternative event instead.
‘I’m just trying to be sound about it,’ said Mr Ryan.‘It will be a bad year for my business but it is important that we think longterm and be accommodating.’