Updated : Sunday 15th
The Wilmslow Running Festival will NOT take place today 15/3/20 due to coronavirus but will be rescheduled. Having listened to feedback from our local community, volunteers and runners, we've taken the decision to minimise risks at this very difficult time for everyone.
As we all know, the coronavirus is progressing on an hourly basis and we hope you'll understand the reasons for the late cancellation of our event. All entries will be carried forward to a new date, which will be advised as soon as it's safe to reschedule.
The organising team of the Wilmslow Running Festival have confirmed that the race is on.
In recent days, meetings with both the organising team and the Charity Trustees have taken place and contingency plans have been created should they have to cancel the event at late notice, which happened two years ago due to the Beast from The East.
Race Director Nick Bishop said "Every entrant was emailed yesterday with advice and the government update today endorses our stance. I have also twice spoken with UK Athletics who have no plans to currently cancel events."
He added "Marshals at drinks stations and who may have contact with runners will be wearing gloves. We have ensured that based on all advice available that runners, spectators, marshals and all are not put at risk."
The second Wilmslow Running Festival will take place on Sunday, March 15th, featuring the ever popular Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon at 10.30am followed both a 10k and a fun run, of just under two miles.
Road closures will be in force on the day covering all roads in the Kings Road / Altrincham Road area, and on the course itself as it winds towards Mobberley before heading back to finish on Morley Road in Wilmslow.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
It should and probably will be cancelled.
Ultimately it’s running. Whilst I do understand people train for it, the decision to go ahead is asinine.
Not something our health services should be focussed on who have to support the event.
The decision to go ahead should be reconsidered. Many taking part will be young and fit (though that is no absolute guarantee of safety) but the coronavirus will take advantage of this mass gathering. It is highly contagious, far more so than flu, and helping it to spread like this will be a death sentence for some of the more vulnerable in our society, more than for most of those actually participating.
My teenage son is entered into the run but we,as a family. decided last night that it was putting yourself at unnecessary risk whether running or spectating, so we won’t be going.
The organisers should postpone the meeting until a later, safer date when it will be far more enjoyable for all
Both the Wilmslow and the Alderley websites carry many posts on this subject, every one of which is against the holding of this event - not one post is in favour.
I hope these uncaring organisers are proud of themselves. I think they are despicable and when the inevitable escalation of the spread of this virus locally happens, and perhaps vulnerable people die, their shameful pig-headed selfishness will not be forgotten.
https://wilmslowrunningfestival.org.uk/
But, only announced today (Sunday) the day the race was due to take place.
I live within 50 yards of the start line and already many people are going down the road to take part.
Why was this decision not taken earlier? It was not a difficult decision to make at all.
Poor decision making and poor communication.
I feel for people that have, and do, travel from all parts of the Country to take part.
I hope the race compensates them for petrol/hotel bills.
It’s surely an arrogance on their part that they chose not to follow Premier League, Rugby, Formula One and London Marathon earlier decisions.
Many will turn up not knowing of this last minute cancellation. The only winner today will be the coronavirus.
People react in different ways when hype starts to exceed reality.
We have had great support from so many. Far, far more than criticism.
Why dont you all as a Group arrange to meet with me. Busy for a week or two due to the many runner emails that need a response.
In my experience, people are more tolerant and understanding when talking face to face.
Our rearranged date is Sunday 11th October.
If as a Group you want to meet, please do let me know.
Regards,
Nick.
My note was far more measured and courteous than some of the ones above.
Virtually all races were on yesterday with the exception of our own.
Only a handful of runners turned up.
Much better to meet. Its much easier to discuss in a mature way which sadly can be lacking remotely.
Regards,
Nick.
In the face of incontrovertible medical evidence and opinion which was in the public domain days before the ludicrously late cancellation of the event, his reply carries the tone of one who thinks this should have gone ahead regardless.
He accuses all the other contributors to this thread that 'they were not in full possession of the facts". Arrogance indeed! It is he who appears to lack knowledge of the facts. He even suggests a face to face meeting!
He just doesn't get it, does he.
Whilst I do appreciate the offer of a face to face meeting, given the governments guidance on avoiding social contact, I’m going to pass.
I still believe that it was a very late call to cancel - but was a correct decision - and I feel sorry for the people who have spent money on petrol and hotels.
I also don’t understand why as a race they couldn’t follow what London Marathon and all major sporting events had done and cancel earlier.
It’s such a shame that the decision came so late in the day.
And the rationale in making our decisions.
Its unfortunate that you continue with your responses when the offer of a meet is on the table...Perhaps closer to the new race date would work?
Meeting would be a far more mature way of discussing.
Regards,
Nick. .
Never.
I just feel so sorry for people running who had booked hotels and travelled. I hope they can claim back on your late decision.
I would just like you to publish your go/no go crisis decision strategy?
I do not believe only “a handful” of people turned up. I can prove that it was many more than that.
Publish your strategy on crisis?