The Great Birmingham 10k and the Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run, which were scheduled to take place on 31 May, have been cancelled.
The decision to cancel the events has been taken following government advice on slowing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). In addition, organisers have acknowledged the increased pressure on public services that the coronavirus outbreak is causing.
Organisers have confirmed that runners will be able to claim a refund on entry fees and that they are in the process of contacting everyone who is signed up for the Great Birmingham 10k and Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run by email with further information.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive at the Great Run Company, said: “We understand this will be disappointing news to the people who were planning to take part, but the safety of participants, spectators and of all those associated with the staging of the events is always our number one priority.
“We would also like to highlight the fantastic support we get from health professionals at our events, many of whom work with us on a voluntary basis. We know they will be dealing with additional pressure both in their work and personal lives at this time.
“We want to thank all of our participants and partners for their continued support and understanding.”
Many people taking on the challenge would have been doing it for charity; at this time charity donations are probably more important than ever before. Those who are signed up to run the Great Birmingham 10k will still have the opportunity to claim their medal. Provided Government advice continues that we are able to exercise outside, all runners have to do is log a run of the same distance (10k) between now and the weekend of the event (Sunday 31st May) and submit that to receive their medal in the post. Instructions confirming the medal process will be emailed to them.
Paul Foster added: “Event day is only a small part of the challenge our runners take on, they put in a huge amount of preparation and training in the weeks and months before. They should be able to celebrate that achievement, however they get there.”
