Virgin Sport, organiser of the famous ‘Hackney Half’, is keeping a close eye on the latest developments regarding coronavirus as sporting events around the world are being cancelled.
The Hackney Half, a weekend long event which includes a 5km race and a half marathon, as well as other fitness activities, was attended by 60,000 people in March 2019.
A spokesperson for Virgin Sport told Hackney Post: “We are closely monitoring the spread of the coronavirus ahead of our first event of the year on May 15-17 in Hackney, and we are following the updates and advice given by Public Health England.”
Monitoring the situation
“The health and safety of our staff, runners, supporters and partners remains our utmost priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation.”
Widespread transmission of the coronavirus is now “highly likely” according to Public Health England, however the government is not yet recommending postponing or cancelling large events, according to health secretary Matt Hancock.
“There may be things that we have to do down the line that we may not want to, but we will need the powers to do that, hence proposing emergency legislation,” the minister told BBC Breakfast.
One participant of the Hackney Half, who purchased a race ticket over four months ago, was understanding of the circumstances faced by race organisers, while still eager for the race to go ahead.
Daniel Jones told Hackney Post: “I’ve trained hard and the ticket cost £50, so I’d definitely be gutted if the race didn’t go ahead.
Public safety takes priority
“But of course there is a bigger picture. Public safety has to be the priority and there – I hope – will be other races I can do in the future.”
The fate of the Hackney Half could become clear as authorities will have to make a decision regarding the London Marathon, which will take place three weeks prior on 26 April.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director at London Marathon Events, told Runner’s World: “We, along with the rest of the world, are monitoring closely the developments relating to the spread of coronavirus and noting the updates and advice given by the UK Government, the World Health Organization and other public bodies.
“With two months to go before the event on Sunday 26 April, we will continue to monitor the situation,” said Brasher.
Sporting events affected
Coronavirus has already engulfed much of Italy, Serie-A league games are being played behind closed doors and both the men’s and women’s rugby teams’ Six Nations fixtures being either cancelled or postponed, as the country’s death toll surges over the 400 mark.
Elsewhere on Monday 9 March Indian Wells, the biggest tennis tournament outside the Grand Slams, was cancelled due to the virus.
As a result, this has put added pressure on organisers of other sporting events such as Euro 2020 and the impending Tokyo Olympic games.
