THE Scottish Half Marathon, which takes runners on a 13 mile route through East Lothian, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak

It was initially scheduled to take place on September 20, but organisers took the decision this morning (Friday) to postpone the event until next year.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Over the past four months we have been working closely with, and drawing on the vast array of knowledge and resources available from, the UK and Scottish Governments, World Athletics, local authorities teams and medical teams to research, plan and work to adapt our delivery models.

“This was to ensure that, if government restrictions allowed, we were able to deliver a safe event.

“It is with deep regret however, that we have taken the very difficult decision to postpone the event until 2021. We think that it’s important that you understand how and why we have come to make this decision.

“As you know, it is outside of our control to say when events will be permitted to go ahead, and sadly there is insufficient information currently available to allow us to estimate when this will be.

“The nature of the event demands a considerable amount of preparation, not only from our team and our delivery partners, but from the participants.

“Their preparation for an event will involve training, sometimes meaning they are dedicating many hours away from their friends and family, which for many is understandably unpalatable or impossible with the demands of home working, childcare and schooling at this time.

“For others it requires the booking of accommodation or travel and we feel that it is unfair to ask for your and their continuing preparation if we cannot make a firm assurance that we will definitely be able to go ahead with the event on the planned date. 

“We, as a team, are devastated to be sharing this announcement with you. We know you will be equally disappointed and we are acutely aware of the impact that the loss of events is having on our affiliate charities.  We will continue to do everything we can to support them.”

Those due to take part in the run this year are asked to log into their account on the Scottish Half Marathon website and select their preferred option before September 20.

If people take no action before the deadline, their entry will be automatically deferred to next year’s run, which takes place on September 19.

The route starts at Meadowmill Sports Centre takes people through Longniddry, Port Seton, Cockenzie, Prestonpans and ends at Musselburgh Racecourse.

For more information visit www.scottishhalfmarathon.com