Marathon will now run in 2021
Virus restrictions see race postponed
Stirling Marathon has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers for the major event - which saw 1100 runners cross the finish line in the city last year - decided to move October’s race back to May next year over uncertainty due to current lockdown restrictions.
With many taking on the 26 mile challenge for good causes, some charities have been left counting the cost.
Strathcarron Hospice is just one of the organisations who benefit from the marathon.
Fundraising manager Jackie Johnston said: “Stirling Marathon has always been a big event in our calendar and in the past, participants have raised collectively £46,000 so it’s a massive loss this year.
“We have been in touch with everyone who had signed up for 2020 to urge them to continue taking part on the newly announced date.”
The hospice relies on voluntary income of £12,900 every day of the year to operate.
Central AC runner Michael Wright had been hoping to score a hat trick of victories in the race he has won on the last two occasions.
He said: “It’s very disappointing news to hear that the marathon is being postponed, but I appreciate why they have taken the decision they have.
“I do hope that they will be able to deliver a first-class event in May 2021.”
Marathon organisers, Classic Run Events, wrote to runners on Monday afternoon to inform them of the decision.
They said: “Due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, after very careful consideration, we have taken the decision to postpone this year’s event.
“The event is being moved to the weekend of May 8 and 9 2021, with the marathon taking place on Sunday, May 9.
“In assessing all current available information it is our view that there is a very high risk that social distancing restrictions for mass gatherings will extend into the summer and autumn months.
“If this is the case it will severely impact our ability to organise and deliver the world class marathon that we promised.
“All of our team are bitterly disappointed having to make this decision but the welfare of our runners, colleagues, volunteers and suppliers is paramount. Given the risk we decided an early decision would be in the best interests of all runners as many have already made travel and accommodation arrangements for the weekend in October.
“All entries for the October 10 and 11 dates will be deferred to the new dates in May 2021.
“While we hope you will join us in 2021 and support the re-arranged event, plus all the charities involved, any runner unable to take part on the new date can request a refund.
“We would like to thank our charity partners, sponsors, Stirling Council and all our key stakeholders for their understanding and support on this matter. We appreciate that you have been training hard in readiness for the Stirling
Marathon weekend but we look forward to seeing you, and many new participants, on the start line next spring when the world will undoubtedly be a safer place.”
Entries for the 2021 event are now open at thestirlingmarathon.co.uk.