Leicester Marathon cancelled due to 'extreme' flooding

Due to extreme flooding in both Watermead Park and numerous villages on the marathon route, 2019 Leicester Marathon, Half Marathon and associated relay races have been cancelled.

Leicester marathon organisers posted on Facebook, "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."

Due to the need to re-arrange road closures and suppliers, notify residents, recruit volunteers and more, a postponement of the race is not feasible.

"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 fifteen years, are devastated. We understand that you will all be disappointed, having no doubt trained hard and fundraised for some amazing charities."

Race director Andrew Ward said all entrants' fees would be refunded, but asked people to consider donating their fees to the LOROS hospice, which is the not-for-profit race's designated charity. "If runners choose not to claim their refund, 100% of their entry fee will be donated to LOROS hospice on their behalf."

If participants still wish to claim their refund, details on how to do this will be released next week.

For more information please visit: http://leicestermarathon.org.uk/