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Time to put your training plans on hold – the organisers of the London Marathon have just announced that this year’s running extravaganza will be postponed until October.
The fortieth race was set to happen on Sunday April 26, but due to the growing number of coronavirus cases in the UK, the event will now take place on Sunday October 4.
In a statement, organisers said they will email runners, charities and other people involved in the event today with any developments. They have also advised people to keep an eye on London Marathon’s social media channels for any further updates.
Hugh Brasher, event director, said: ‘The world is in an unprecedented situation, grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19, and public health is everyone’s priority.
‘We know how disappointing this news will be for so many – the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year.
‘We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from City Hall, the London boroughs of Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, the City of Westminster and the City of London, Transport for London, the emergency services, the Royal Parks, BBC TV and many others as we worked to find an alternative date. The fortieth race is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday October 4 2020.
‘We know that there will be many, many questions from runners, charities and others, and we ask you to please bear with us as we work through the detailed planning process to deliver the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon on its new scheduled date. We will email all runners and charities today and then update them via email by the end of next week at the latest. We will also post regular updates on our website and social media channels.’
Keep up to date with our list of the latest London events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus.
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