Race bid to avert protests
LONDON MARATHON boss Hugh Brasher has asked protest groups Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil to actively “protect” rather than ruin his race this Sunday – because of the good it does for society.
There are fears the marathon could suffer the same fate as the Grand National and the World Snooker Championship.
But Brasher has confronted the threat head on, saying: “I am asking them to help and protect the marathon because of the good it does in society.
“The London Marathon is unique, we run for clean air – that is so important in what we do.”
Brasher met with Extinction Rebellion yesterday ahead of their scheduled four-day protest in central London and says he received assurances from the climate group.
He said: “We’ve not traded anything off, we are working with them, they are working with us. It is a unique first.”
A statement from Just Stop Oil said: “The two parties have agreed to continue to discuss arrangements for the London Marathon, the climate crisis and the need to end new oil and gas.”
Golf chiefs are reviewing their security plans for The Open Championship in the wake of recent protests, with R&A officials confident their “robust” measures will be enough to head off disruption to golf’s oldest Major.
Organisers are preparing for the July event at Royal Liverpool, which is a 260,000 sell-out.
Fears are growing it could be another showpiece sports event to be targeted after police arrested 118 people over disruption to the National.
Animal rights activists delayed the start of the race by getting on to the course at Aintree.
Sheffield’s Crucible arena was then invaded by two people on Monday in the name of Just Stop Oil .
R&A director of communications Mike Woodcock said: “It is challenging but we have dealt with protests at The Open before and we are confident the arrangements we have are robust.”