MARATHON MISERY

Runners left gutted after Stirling’s showcase race cancelled for the third year in a row

Runners have been left reeling after Stirling Marathon was cancelled for the third year in a row.

With less than two months to go until the race, and with training programmes well underway, organisers took the decision to axe the event - planned for May 14 and 15.

Classic Run Events told runners in an email that “the number of entries has been severely reduced by the global pandemic”.

Race director Luke Traynor later added: “The safety and welfare of our runners is paramount.’’

But our requests for more information about the reasons for cancellation have gone unanswered.

Stirling Olympian Kieron Achara was an ambassador for the event.

The basketball star said: “I feel for all the people who have been training so hard for so long. I just hope that it isn’t the end of a Stirling Marathon.”

Rev Barry Hughes from St Mark’s Parish Church in Raploch, was also set to run to raise funds for a Scout trip. He said he fears “charities may well suffer”.

cancelled The marathon has been called off for the third year in a row, leaving Olympian Achara (inset top) and Rev Hughes (right) dejected