THE organisers of the Babcock 10K Series have announced that the popular athletic event will not be held in 2021.
It’s the second year in a row that the three-race series, with events in Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Glasgow, has been called off due to Covid restrictions.
Earlier this year the series organisers said they were “confident” that the postponed 2020 series would be able to go ahead, in some form, at some point in 2021.
But while the pandemic outlook is significantly brighter than it was when the event was postponed this time last year, the organisers of the series say that they were left with no choice because public buildings and schools such as Hermitage Academy, the finishing point and presentation venue for the Helensburgh race, still cannot be used for mass participation events.
READ MORE: Babcock 10K Series: 2020 event postponed due to coronavirus concerns
Kevin Johnson from Helensburgh Amateur Athletics Club, the chairman of the series, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to have to announce the postponement of the Babcock 10k Series for the second year in a row.
“Our last race was in May 2019 and whilst we continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure the future of the prestigious series, we must prioritise the health and welfare of our runners, officials and host communities, in these challenging times.”
However, disappointed athletes who had been hoping to take part in the series this year do at least have something to look forward to in the form of dates for the twice-postponed event in 2022.
The series organisers say next year’s Babcock Helensburgh 10K will be held on Thursday, May 5, with the Dumbarton 10K following on Thursday, May 12.
READ MORE: Take a look back at our coverage of the last Babcock Helensburgh 10K in May 2019
The 2022 series will end on Glasgow Green with the Shettleston 10K on May 22.
Mr Johnson added: “The 1,200 entries we had for last year’s series will be automatically rolled forwards to next year but if anyone can’t make the new dates, please email Kieran McQuade, our entries secretary, on kieran10k@hotmail.com and he will organise a refund.
“Our title sponsors Babcock have generously agreed to continue their sponsorship of these important community events which attract Olympians, club runners and recreational runners tackling the distance for the first time.
“Start Fitness will continue to be our running retail partner providing an impressive array of prizes and commemorative merchandise for finishers and once again the chip timing will be provided by Stuweb.
“We look forward to seeing you all next year. In the meantime, stay fit and healthy.”
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