ATHLETICS

secure biosphere (a contained safe enclosure that’s currently been used by England Cricket and Formula One for Grand Prix events).

With regard to the mass participation run, different scenarios were discussed since lockdown came into operation back in March.

Some of the ideas including using revolutionary technology that embraced Bluetooth which would have enabled the organisers to accurately monitor every participant’s distance from each other.

Ultimately, the biggest challenge didn’t involve participants, but multiple issues of managing spectators; ensuring the emergency services had full access throughout London and the possibility a second coronavirus spike resulting in added pressure being placed on the NHS and associated services.

And despite all the efforts and fantastic all-round support, the organisers announced that it won’t be possible to go ahead with a mass participation run even with social distancing.

However, to salvage something from a disappointing situation a Virtual 2020 London Marathon will operate for anyone who had a place in the original event that was due to be staged last spring.

So, runners can compete in the 40th London Marathon by running the 26.2 miles distance from home or anywhere in the world on a course of their choice.

All finishers will receive a coveted finisher medal together with an exclusive New Balance Tee-Shirt.

But if a virtual run isn’t for any particular runner then they can defer entry (under certain conditions) until the 2021 event.

However, the organisers are at pains to point out that the virtual run is the official 40th London Marathon.

Next year’s event will also be staged in the autumn – October 3 is the designated date – as the feeling is there’s a better chance of a mass participation run going ahead at this time of year.

Though no spectators will be allowed to watch the Elite 2020 London Marathon, the BBC plan to broadcast eight hours of network coverage on the day.

Five big guns – Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, Brigid Koskei, Manuela Schar and David Weir - have already confirmed that they will compete, and the full field is expected to be announced later in the month.

World Athletics have also announced that a decision has been made to make the event an Olympic Games Qualifier.

OGMORE Phoenix Runners have been active participants in the Run Around the World challenge.

It attracted attention from 96 club runners from the outset back in early July, and they really took the challenge to heart.

It resulted in them finishing runners-up to Northern Stars, who clocked up 19,229.24m from Ogmore Phoenix 8,136.68m and She Runs Cardiff 8,100.83m.

Meanwhile, Sunday Trail sessions have resumed and a splendid turnout accompanied a visit to Merthyr Mawr.

Booking is, however, essential via the members page to ensure that the club is COVID compliant and everyone remains safe.