Popular 10k run will now be virtual event

THE 2021 edition of the Mad Dog 10K will not take place in its usual form as the hugely popular event is disrupted for a second year.

Organisers were forced to cancel this year’s iteration in February as Storm Ciara battered the town and next year’s event has now become the latest to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The annual running event is one of the most popular of its kind in the country and the 3,500 places for last year’s event sold out in a matter of minutes, only for high winds and flooding to force its cancellation on safety grounds.

Southport Hesketh Round Table, the charity which organises the Mad Dog, had offered to defer all entry fees to 2021 where the event was hoped to take place with the same Jurassic Bark theme.

However, the threat of Covid-19 remains and a decision has been made to change the event to a virtual one, with participants still encouraged to don their fancy dress and carry out their 10k run near their own homes.

In a statement announcing the decision, the organisers said: “As you will have no doubt already guessed, the Mad Dog 10k will not be taking place on February 7, 2021 in its usual format.

“Having chewed it over and discussed the options with our main stakeholders we decided it is far too risky to plan such a large event given the current situation and uncertainty around Covid-19.

“Protecting lives and the safety of participants and staff is our priority.”