Aviemore Half Marathon and 10K is cancelled due to rising Covid cases
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Organisers of the Aviemore Half Marathon and 10K have cancelled the hugely popular event because they said it poses too much of a risk to the local community.
The runs – which also include a family one mile jog – attracted more than 2000 entrants last year.
It had been due to take place this year on October 18th with good numbers already confirmed.
But the Speyside Trust which organises the fundraising event for the Badaguish Outdoor Centre has now deemed it too much of a risk with coronavirus cases on the rise across Scotland following the easing of lockdown measures.
Centre boss Andrew MacKenzie said: "Many thanks to all of our supporters for their feedback on Survey Monkey and the mixture of enthusiasm, concerns and disappointment.
"In the face of widespread and increasing rates of coronavirus infection, we have decided it will no longer be reasonable or realistic to proceed with planning to run a safe event.
"We hope many of those due to take part will be happy to re-schedule for 17th October next year but also accept that for many there will be equally good reasons to request a refund.
"We expect a refund to be a possible option but are unable to give a date at this time
"But in the words of one loyal volunteer 'no event is worth the price of a life'."
There were well over 2100 entrants for last year's half marathon and more than 350 for the previous day's fun mile run at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
The Badaguish centre has, however, been able top help a new Aviemore business to continue to progress during lockdown.
Centre manager Scott McNeish explained: "The Crossfit Cairngorm community was able to continue their training throughout the restrictive summer.
"CrossFit Cairngorm had only been in business less than a year before the Covid lockdown and we were pleased to offer a lifeline of support to this new business and allow a space for it to continue bringing it members together."
