Follow us ...
www.facebook. com/stirling observer/ Twitter: @StirObserver
One of the city’s premier sporting events, the Stirling Marathon, has been cancelled for a third time.
The organisers of the event blamed the cancellation on a lack of runners signing up to take part, with this year’s gathering also set to include a half marathon, a 5k race and a junior run.
It’s the third year in a row that the marathon has now failed to take place after it fell foul of the pandemic for two years in a row.
Organisers Classic Run Events said the decision was taken“with great disappointment”and full refunds would be provided to all of those who had entered the event,
The news of the cancellation was met with a mixed reaction on the Observer’s Facebook page.
Runner Chris Thomas said:“The reason that few people have entered the Stirling Marathon is that it was scheduled two weeks before Edinburgh Marathon.
“I, and hundreds of other runners have completed both races in previous years, when they were scheduled three or four weeks apart.
“No sane runner would do two marathons a fortnight apart. An absolute own goal from the organisers in my opinion.”
Jemma Beedie said:“They categorically refused to issue refunds when they cancelled the first instance last summer, let us all work towards a May date (I didn’t want to train through winter!) and miss other race entries, then cancelled less than eight weeks out. Absolute shambles.”
Neil Ferrier added:“I was planning to do the half marathon, I hope it will go back on again as it is such a good event for Stirling and the surrounding areas.”
Stuart Ditchfield wrote:“I didn’t enter because I thought it would be cancelled. And look!”
Meanwhile, both Steven Hogg and Steven McGregor questioned the pricing of the marathon.
Steven Hogg wrote:“Too expensive now, all these events are pricing themselves out the market.”
Steven McGregor agreed:“Maybe make the entry fee reasonable and you would get more participants.”
Others welcomed the cancellation of the big run due to the impact it has on local roads and communities affected by road closures.