Running News Daily

London Marathon test event has been postponed

London Marathon Events is organizing the Reunion 10K, which was due to be held on April 24-25 as one of the pilot events in the government’s Events Research Programme. Unfortunately, organizers announced today that the event has been postponed, as they attempt to find an alternative location for the race.

The statement reads, 'The Events Research Programme team and LME has concluded that the event should be postponed in order to finalize the requirements for this pilot event but Hatfield Park is not available in May and therefore an alternative venue is required.'

The event will consist of three 10K races, held over the weekend. This will provide the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport with scientific data on how mass-participation events can safely resume as part of the roadmap out of lockdown.

Everyone attending – participants, spectators and staff – will be required to take a Covid-19 test before and after the event. They will also be asked if they have been vaccinated, although this is not a requirement to attend the race.

Hugh Brasher, event director of London Marathon Events, said: ‘This pilot event, with its complex testing and operational overlay, is a very important step in the return of mass-participation sport and the team is now in discussion with a number of venues to see if it is possible to deliver the Reunion 10K in May.

'We would like to thank Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire Council, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and other key stakeholders for their hard work and support of the event.'