An ultra marathon which was set to be contested through Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland has been cancelled.
Great Run has decided to pull the 27.km and 55km Ultra North races which were scheduled for Saturday April 25.
Ultra North says: “The decision to cancel Ultra North has been taken following government advice on slowing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). In addition, organisers have acknowledge the increased pressure on public service that the coronavirus outbreak is causing.”
All entrants will be able to claim refunds.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive at the Great Run Company, which organises the event said: “We understand this will be disappointing news to everyone who was planning on taking part, but the safety of participants and of all those associated with the staging of the events is always our number one priority.
“While the nature of these events mean that people are not necessarily participating as part of a crowd, we have to take into account all factors involved. This includes considering how people will travel to and from the event, safe distancing at support stations, the availability of suppliers and volunteers at the events and the impact on public services. It is with all this in mind that we have regretfully had to cancel.”
The 55km race would have seen runners and walkers take on a route starting and finishing in Newcastle, via Gateshead, Rowlands Gill and Wylam. The shorter race started Chopwell Wood and headed to Newcastle via Keelmans Way.
