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New Forest Marathon action 2019

New Forest Marathon seeks 'Covid-secure' status

September's woodland wonder hopes for government green light

New Forest Marathon is accustomed to setting records as one of the world's most popular multi-terrain 26.2-mile races, sold out for most of its 36-year history. Now the event that started at New Milton in 1983 hopes to break new ground as the first socially-distanced, 'COVID-secure' marathon to go ahead in the UK on Sunday, 13 September 2020.

In an interview on BBC Radio Solent on Monday (6 July) joint event director Andy Daish explained to host Chris Farr how New Forest Marathon hopes to get the green light for 2020, despite the present torpor being endured by mass participation running events.

Andy explained the unique features of New Forest Marathon, which has been hosted securely from New Park Showground in the heart of the 566 square kilometres of New Forest National Park since 2015. Measures that help mitigate the risk of Coronavirus transmission include the gated showground with strictly controlled access; on-site medical centre; temperature checks for all staff; no mass starts and a sterile running route, managed by experienced marshals.

The New Forest Marathon team is working hard through its local Safety Advisory Group with Hampshire Highways, Hampshire Police, local politicians, the Forestry Commission and others, and the organisers have studied successful models for the planned resumption of running events throughout Europe. The lively Race Village and campsite have both been expanded to allow for social-distancing and Andy said: “We can provide a streamlined, slick and safe event”.

It appears the sticking point is waiting for official guidance from the government. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Secretary of State Oliver Dowden are where the key to New Forest Marathon – and so many other races – taking place this year lies. Once that guidance has been issued, organisers like Andy Daish will at least have a sporting chance of meeting them but meanwhile, all they can do is risk assess every aspect of their events.

New Forest Marathon is more than a 26.2 mile run through a beautiful forest in England. It is a family-friendly weekend with seven events from the flagship marathon to the Woodland Walk and has raised around £1.5 million via the New Forest Marathon Community Fund, with each project focussed on getting more people active, thus creating a far healthier community. Can anyone think of a better reason for giving New Forest Marathon the green light?

Just to whet your appetite, here is a high energy video celebrating last year's New Forest Marathon, won by Rob Forbes (Cirencester, 2:40:35) and Emily Jeacock (3:10:01). Crank up the volume and enjoy!

Full details of all events at New Forest Marathon website here  

Image courtesy New Forest Marathon on Facebook

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