Half marathon called off amid coronavirus fears
ORGANISERS SAY DECISION WAS ‘NOT EASY’
FLEET Half Marathon was postponed at the weekend in a bid to minimise risks surrounding the current coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers of the race, which attracts around 2,500 runners and was due to take place on Sunday, said the event had been called off.
They said “it was not an easy decision to make” but their priority was the wellbeing of the runners and the community who support the event.
All runners were emailed to inform them of the decision.
The Junior Mini-Mile was also postponed.
A statement on the half marathon website, from the half marathon team and Fleet and Crookham Athletic Club, stated: “The latest situation and advice from the UK government on the Covid-19 pandemic is being updated and revised on a daily basis and is very fast-paced.
“We have been following all of the advice and been in regular contact with the authorities and as a club we will always put the health and safety of our runners, helpers, marshals and local residents first.”
The statement added: “To this end, regrettably we have now decided to postpone this year’s Fleet Half Marathon to minimise the risk that may be caused from large gatherings of people which, at this event, will be from both within and outside the Fleet area.
“We apologise to those runners who were travelling some distance to run. This is not an easy decision to make the day before the event, but one that aims to ensure the wellbeing of the runners and the community.”
At this stage it has not been confirmed whether the half marathon will take place later in 2020.
The statement continued: “We now need some time to look at the options for postponement to later in 2020 or simply deferring to 2021.
“Please bear with us while we work things out and we will get back to everyone as soon as we can.
“Please keep hold of your race number for the time being.”