28th January 2021 - Reading Half Marathon Race Announcement
Following what can only be described as the most frustrating and agonising year we once again find ourselves with a level of uncertainty around mass participation events over the next few months. At the end of 2020, we were very hopeful, I’d even say confident, that we would see you on the start line in April, and why wouldn’t we be? The vaccine rollout had started, spirits were high and things were looking good. Then we welcomed in 2021, a new COVID-19 strain and the current national lockdown, with no genuine end date in sight. Not where we thought we’d be.
Before we launched the 2021 event I thought, it was important to secure an alternative date later in the year just in case, and to announce that date clearly as an alternative if April couldn’t go ahead. The fact that we can’t give our reassurance that the event will definitely go ahead in April at the 11 weeks to go mark is unfair of us to ask our runners to continue with their training plans. As well as delivering an unforgettable race, our number one priority is always the health and safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, partners and contractors. If we are unable to guarantee everyone’s complete safety then that is unacceptable to us. With that in mind and to be certain that the event will happen we have decided to move our plans and concentrate our efforts on the November date, so to answer the question you all want to know - the Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge 2021 will take place on Sunday 7th November 2021.
I know that everyone will join us in our disappointment that we won’t be there in April, but I also hope you will take comfort in the fact that we secured an alternative date months ago and we’ll be there with you in November.
For now, please stay safe, follow the rules, be kind to each other and thank you again for your continued support, patience and understanding. We can’t wait to see you on the start line in November
Judith Manson
Race Director
