After London's coolest 10K was blown off course by Storm Ciara last year there were hopes for a real-world bumper turnout this February. However coronavirus and Lockdown 3.0 intervened. Organisers have been imaginative though and are now planning a massive virtual Winter Run for Sunday, 7 February.

They're also re-scheduling the real-world London Winter Run 10K for... summer!

More than 18,500 runners completed the fifth annual CRUK London Winter Run on 3 February 2019. The fastest of those were Chris Rainsford (Highgate Harriers, 31:23) and W40 Charlene Jacobs-Conradie (Luton, 35:48). 

But the most worthy winner is always the headline charity. CRUK London Winter Run started in 2015 and has seen around 100,000 entrants raise more than £3.5 million for life-saving cancer research.

Undeterred by a delay that was first caused, ironically, by severe weather conditions then the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, organisers are pressing on with a free digital version of the run culminating in a nationwide Virtual Winter Run 2021 in two weeks (7 February).

However, there is still a chance to run London Winter Run 10K for real this summer. Sunday 5 September is the (hopefully) less than arctic date set for a one-off CRUK London Summer Run. Changes that can be expected for the sixth edition include a special travel corridor to facilitate the Penguin Beach Party and plenty of tropical music around the course. 

For the first time ever you’ll have a chance to experience all the fun and joy of the traditional event in warmer surroundings. As always you can expect world-famous landmarks, larger than life characters, and an incredible atmosphere as you run 10K through the heart of London.

Organisers are promising: "an appropriately outrageous medal to celebrate a 10K unlike any other". Details are being finalised but you can register your interest for London Summer Run 2021 here

The first tranche of entries will be released next month so register now to avoid missing out.

Visit runABC South race listing here for race details and to review previous results.

Image: CRUK London Winter Run promotion