Nottingham's Robin Hood Marathon cancelled
THE Robin Hood Marathon will not go ahead this year because the route is no longer "safe and viable", according to the organisers.
The half-marathon will still be taking place and is expected to be held on September 30 – although the route may be changed to make it faster and flatter.
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Runners at last year's Robin Hood marathon.
However, event organisers at Sweatshop have confirmed the full marathon will be cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history.
Previously Sweatshop said part of the reason they were considering dropping the route was that it would be affected by the building of the new tram line to Clifton, as it goes over the Wilford Toll Bridge.
But they now say this is not the reason the event has been cancelled as this part of the route could be changed.
They say the main reason is because the roads around Holme Pierrepont, which are still open to cars, have grown increasingly busy over the years.
A spokeswoman for Sweatshop said this, coupled with the fact that more people now take part, means the route must be changed.
Chris Sumner, race director at Sweatshop, said: "We have been working closely with Nottingham City Council to try and establish a new route in order to deliver a better, safer race experience for the marathon and we are committed to re-establishing a full marathon in future years.
"or 2012 we will concentrate on seeking and implementing a faster, flatter course for the half-marathon, again working closely with the council to achieve this."
The route of the half marathon is yet to be confirmed.
More than 12,000 people registered for the Robin Hood Festival of Running in 2011 with 1,424 completing the full marathon.
A spokesman for Nottingham City Council said: "We've worked with the event organisers to ensure that the half marathon goes ahead and would be happy to work with them to see if we can find a solution to ensure that the full marathon goes ahead as well."
Mick Robinson, of Notts Athletic Club, said: "It is a tragedy for the city. It is disappointing because it is an asset and to think we are getting rid of ours when other cities like Edinburgh have resurrected theirs is terrible."
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by asdffdsa
Thursday, February 23 2012, 3:13AM
“I'm glad. Those marathon runners are a right pain in the proverbial. Getting in the way. Run around the local park or something - that's what they are for.”
by Vox_Populii
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:00PM
“Hmm.. having a look at the maps from previous years, it would appear that the still-viable half marathon is in City Council limits, with the full marathon crossing over into County Council limits.
I wonder if maybe the County Council have decided to demand some sort of payment for the use of their highway which can't be met?”
by runnertilidie
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 8:22PM
“So how come a tram that no one wants can go ahead, but a race that affects part of a day has to be cancelled!!”
by Vox_Populii
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 6:43PM
“Too much traffic around Holme Pierrepont? A milk float and some cyclists??
I suspect we're not getting the full story here.”
by ukcitizen62
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 6:25PM
“I think a lot of runners are from areas other than Nottingham, bringing revenue to local hotels and restaurants etc, so theres a loss to the city for a start,
Let them run the half twice yes that will really sell it to them won't it.”
by youreds59
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 5:40PM
“Roads to busy for what???? The marathon causes more disruption to the roads in the city and we all know what day it is happening so can skirt round. The route used to come onto Radcliffe road but has in recent years stayed inside Lady Bay.
When it did come onto Radcliffe road it didnt cause much of a hold up other than over lady bay bridge which has to be closed, traffic had to use the ring road or Trent Bridge.
If they cant be bothered why dont they just say it”
by mof_gedling
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 4:11PM
“couldnt they just round the lake at colwick park 26 times ?”
by Alberto Frog
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:44PM
“"Full marthon runners can just run the same course twice...or is that too simple a solution"
It could be done but the half marathon route includes the A52 between Priory Island and the QMC and Castle Boulevard, two major routes into the city. Closing both these for the 5-6 hours needed whilst the marathon takes place would cause a lot of traffic issues.”
by Mrsue2006
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:08PM
“I don't see what the problem is, Nottingham is a big enough city???? I plan on running the half for charity, thankfully this is going ahead”
by mattgaltress
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:03PM
“Newonemag, they've said that the tram is not the main reason because that section can be rerouted. The main issue is too much traffic on the roads around Holme Pierepont.”