Northern Ireland

Derry's Walled City Marathon cancelled

Runners taking part in Derry's Walled City Marathon in 2018. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Runners taking part in Derry's Walled City Marathon in 2018. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Runners taking part in Derry's Walled City Marathon in 2018. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

THE Walled City Marathon in Derry will not go ahead this year, organisers have said.

The 26.2-mile run had been due to take place on May 31.

However, an announcement was made that the event had been cancelled "due to a number of factors outside the control of the race organisers".

Entrants will be given a full refund within the next 14 days.

The Walled City 10-mile road race on March 7 will still go ahead, however.

The marathon, which attracts around 1,500 competitors, was established in 2013 as part of celebrations to mark Derry becoming the first UK City of Culture.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the organisers thanked their supporters and said they hoped they would continue to support the event next year.

"We are encouraged by the continued growth of the 10-miler which sold out in record time this year and we look forward to further building on that event whilst working to prepare for the marathon again in 2021," they said.

"We want thank you again for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you all at the start line next year."

Since changes were made to road racing rules, several other high-profile runs have also been cancelled.