Gruelling Gower run is called off
A CROSS-COUNTRY half marathon on Gower has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Darth Mannion Beach and Swamp Run Challenge, in which competitors tackle a varied terrain route including runs through stretches of river and dips in the sea, is the first running event of the season in Swansea to be cancelled.
It was due to take place on Saturday, March 28, and no alternative date has yet been announced.
Now in its 11th year, the event begins and ends at South Gower RFC clubhouse in Bishopston, and attracts hundreds of runners to tackle its gruelling course.
The event raises money for Wales Air Ambulance. The total figure raised over its history is more than £25,000.
But it is the latest event to fall victim to the coronavirus outbreak, with organisers deciding to pull the event on medical advice.
Simon Mcwhirter, a codirector of Darth Mannion, said: “After much deliberation, and with a heavy heart, we have taken the decision to postpone Darth XI, which was scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 28.
“The worsening public health situation and likely forward-scenario around the coronavirus means that, although it’s incredibly disappointing to postpone an event that’s such an integral part of the local area, we can’t justify the risk of either indecision, or, ploughing on regardless.
“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, but we have a duty of care to our runners, spectators, volunteers, organisers, and of course the wider community, to ensure that their safety is paramount.
“We are also conscious that a mass gathering of this nature may distract an already-stretched public health resource”.
The Darth Mannion is run by Peloton Running, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers.
By making the decision to postpone the run, the group says it hopes to be able to mitigate against some of the financial penalties for doing so.
They also say they hope to rearrange the event sometime later this year, when anyone entered in the cancelled event will be automatically re-entered into the rescheduled run.
Mr Mcwhirter added: “As runners ourselves, we are sure this will come as disappointing news.
“We will of course communicate the new date at the earliest opportunity to ensure that runners can update training and travel plans in good time.
“We would like to thank everyone in advance for your patience and understanding”.
Organisers of the Swansea Half Marathon, which is due to take place on June 14, say they are monitoring the situation and taking governmental advice.
They are expected to make an announcement concerning this year’s race later today.
The Newport Marathon, and Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run have also been postponed.
The Newport Marathon was due to be held on April 19, and has now been rescheduled to take place on October 25, while the Cardiff Bay Run, due to take place on March 29, now has an alternative date of November 15.