The Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO) are celebrating the return of mass participation sports events outdoors as the government confirmed that England will move into Step 4 of the Covid roadmap from Monday (19 July).

This gives the green light for the return of many of the most famous events across the country and MSO members, including organisers of the London Marathon, parkrun, Great North Run, Brighton Marathon, ASICS London 10K, London Landmarks Half Marathon, Vitality Big Half, Manchester Marathon and This Mum Runs have worked together to devise protocols and operational solutions that ensure the safe return of mass participation events outdoors.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events, said: “It is wonderful to confirm that our great mass participation events are returning across the country. Extensive scientific research worldwide has shown that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 outdoors is negligible."

Paul Foster, CEO of Great Run Company, said: “Our events inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active, which is so important for both physical and mental health. Participants in the MSO’s calendar of events generate more than £250 million every year for charities and these funds are desperately needed now, as the services of charities are vital to support vulnerable members of society.”

Nick Pearson, CEO of parkrun Global, said: “The work of MSO has ensured our much-loved events can return and we invite everyone to take part – join your local parkrun, enter one of the nation’s iconic events and think about raising funds for the charity of your choice. We can’t wait to welcome back our parkrun family on 24 July.”

The MSO has worked with Run Britain; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), and Sport England to agree on protocols that ensure mass participation outdoor events can be held safely.

Over the coming months, the MSO key events calendar includes:

• 20 July: Standard Chartered Great City Race
• 21 July: the return of This Mum Runs community runs
• 24 July: the return of parkrun throughout England
• 25 July: ASICS London 10K
• 1 August: London Landmarks Half Marathon
• 8 August: the return of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events
• 22 August: The Vitality Big Half
• 5 September: London Summer Run
• 12 September: Great North Run
• 12 September: Brighton Marathon
• 26 September: Hackney Half Marathon
• 3 October: Virgin Money London Marathon
• 10 October: Royal Parks Half Marathon
• 10 October: Manchester Marathon
• 17 October: Oxford Half Marathon

For details of these and other events check runABC South's comprehensive race listing here

To find your local parkrun click here

Image: parkrun Marketing