Due to extreme flooding in both Watermead Park and numerous villages on the marathon route, we regret to announce the cancellation of the 2019 Leicester Marathon, Half Marathon and associated relay races. The amount of rain that has fallen in the past three days has led to various parts of the route becoming completely impassable. Flood authorities and local wardens have advised that it is very unlikely that the route will be clear in time for the weekend.
We have explored numerous options for re-routes in conjunction with local authorities. Flooding has occurred to such an extent, that it is impossible to remove such an amount of water from the route. There is also more rain forecast over the next few days. The safety of our runners is paramount, and we have been unable to find a route that meets an acceptable standard.
This is not a decision we have taken lightly and the organising committee, as well as our charity partner LOROS Hospice, who have been involved for almost 15 years, are devastated.
Due to the need to re-arrange road closures and suppliers, notify residents, recruit volunteers and more, a postponement of the race is unfortunately, not feasible.
We understand that you will all be disappointed, having no doubt trained hard and fundraised for some amazing charities.
Despite having already incurred costs, we feel it is the right thing to do to offer participants a refund of their entry fee.
However, as a not-for-profit race, we’d like you to consider donating your entry fee to our charity partner LOROS, the Hospice for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
LOROS Hospice provides care and support for more than 2,500 terminally ill patients every year. Your donation would be greatly appreciated and would serve as a crucial contribution in light of this unfortunate situation.
Therefore, if you choose not to claim your refund, 100% of your entry fee will be donated to LOROS Hospice on your behalf – you do not need to do anything else.
Any runners that have purchased t-shirts should expect to receive these in the post during the next few weeks. We will also honour any deferrals that have been agreed before the deferral deadline.
Unfortunately, due to costs already incurred, we are unable to offer free transfers for runners to next year’s event.
If you still wish to claim your refund, details on how to do this will be released next week.