Press Report: WCAC Hopeful for Restart
WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club is hoping to salvage a slice of track and field action if the current government restrictions are lifted due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The purple-vested outfit is waiting for the re-opening of the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Leisure Centre and Athletics Track in order to resume club training sessions again.
West Cheshire AC last trained on the track officially on March 14 and the facility has been closed officially since March 20.
And West Cheshire AC is hoping to organise a Community Come and Try Athletics Event if restrictions are lifted, as well as a Club Track and Field Championships, and an Open Track and Field Meeting at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations,Β UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
Meanwhile, England Athletics, working with Runbritain, has confirmed that the suspension of licensed road races in England has been extended until at least the end of July 2020.
The decision to extend the suspension of activity specific to road race events is due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and in line with guidance from the UK government in relation to social distancing and restrictions on the number of people permitted to meet in groups.
As a result of this announcement, any road race that was licensed in England for the period to July 31, 2020, should be postponed or cancelled. However, race organisers seeking to reschedule their race for a later date should note that Runbritain can use the existing licence with the new date assuming that nothing has changed regarding the race set up and that the race organiser has local authority approval. This applies to races being carried over to next year.
The Great North Run, scheduled to take place on September 13, has been cancelled.
The popular 13.1 miles event organised between Newcastle and South Shields, would have attracted more than 55,000 runners and was due to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary.
Organisers said they had not taken the decision lightly and had tried to find a way to hold the run while observing social distancing.
Runners are eligible for refunds or can transfer their entry to next year.
The Junior and Mini Great North Run and the Great North 5km, which usually take place on the Saturday before the Great North Run, have also been cancelled.
