First it was a Pesach marathon. Now it’s Rosh Hashanah

CONSPIRACY THEORISTS might be tempted to think that the London Marathon organisers have it in for Jews.

Earlier this year the date of the 2016 race was confirmed as the second day of Pesach, denying observant runners the chance to take part — and Jewish charities the money they would raise.

Now, organisers have scheduled a pre-race briefing for charities on September 15, which just happens to be the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

Jewish groups who expressed their disappointment at the original decision are now upset at what some say is further insensitivity.

Emunah director Deborah Nathan said: “It is hard not to feel that scheduling this meeting on Rosh Hashanah is unfortunate at best and insensitive at worst.” Daniel Carmel-Brown, director of fundraising for Jewish Care — who will, despite the clash with Pesach, be entering runners in 2016 — said: “It is unfortunate this meeting will be on Yomtov and we will not be represented. However we are sure the organisers will ensure we receive relevant information in due course.”

Damian Schogger, a trustee of the Talia Trust for Children, said the decision to hold a meeting on Rosh Hashanah was “truly staggering”.

Mr Schogger had been planning to run the 2016 London Marathon before the date was revealed. He said: “Having made a decision to have the 2016 marathon on Pesach, they’ve fuelled the fire by inviting ballot holders to meet on second day Rosh Hashanah.

“It shows an overall lack of judgement and a lack of consideration.”

The marathon’s Jewish chief executive Nick Bitel said: “Yomtov will not go out until later in the evening and regretfully Jewish charities may therefore feel that they are unable to attend. September is a very busy month in the Jewish calendar and I am afraid it is not always possible to avoid a clash. Information is available in paper form for any charities — Jewish or otherwise — that are unable to attend.”