Worthing 10k cancelled - a fortnight before it was due to take place

The local sporting calendar has been dealt another Covid-19 related blow with the cancellation of the Worthing 10k, just a couple of weeks before it was due to take place.
Last year's Worthing 10k / Picture: Derek MartinLast year's Worthing 10k / Picture: Derek Martin
Last year's Worthing 10k / Picture: Derek Martin

A statement from the organisers of the race - which was due on Sunday, October 4 - said: “We are devastated to announce that on Friday we received news from Worthing Borough Council that the 2020 event could no longer take place.

“The organising team, in partnership with local agencies, contractors, charities, and volunteers, went to incredible lengths to ensure a Covid-19 compliant event, but have to respect a decision that has been taken with consideration to the number of cases rising across the country and the government introducing stricter restrictions on group gatherings.”

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Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “Worthing has a great track record of hosting running events. They bring a real buzz to the town and draw thousands of spectators to the seafront route which makes it a real highlight of the town’s calendar.

“In normal circumstances 2020 would be no different to any other year, but it isn’t. We have all been affected by Covid-19 and as a community we are steadily finding our way forward.

“I recognise the considerable work organisers have put in to seek to provide a safe event for the runners, volunteers, spectators and community, especially in terms of the start and finish of the race.

“However, I have to consider the wider risk that this event could bring to our whole community.

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“Balancing all of this together, I do not believe that now is the time to host such a well-attended event.

“I realise that this will disappoint a large number of people, but the decision is made taking into account the wider community of Worthing and the need to ensure that we all stay safe. I look forward to the race returning later in 2021.”

Registered runners are being contacted about their options.

The organisers added: “Once again we are so sorry to bring you this news, we were desperate to give the local running community something to look forward to, delivered in a safe and responsible way. We are deeply saddened this is no longer possible.”