Run Wigan Festival and Wigan 10k cancelled due to Covid-19 but virtual events announced

Charity Joining Jack, which puts on the hugely-popular events, has had to scrap all the races with just over eight weeks to go until the rearranged 2020 festival was supposed to take place at the same time as the annual 10k.

Guidelines on mass participation events left the organisers with no choice but to pull the plug.

However, the show will go on in some format as the organisers are putting together a virtual version.

Competitors in the half marathon, 10-mile, 10k or 5k events can complete either the official course or a run of the same distance and provide evidence of it.

Thousands of people have pounded the streets in previous years to challenge themselves in the various races.

A Joining Jack spokesperson said: "When we took the decision in March to reschedule the 4th Run Wigan Festival to be staged over a weekend of running on September 6 and 7 alongside the Wigan 10k, we had little idea that we would be forced to make a further decision like this.

"Throughout the lockdown period, we have been monitoring closely all reports and advice from local and national governing bodies and UK Athletics, and have also been taking guidance from our traffic management and safety advisory teams and the charity’s trustees.

"As the nation gradually eases out of the tough restrictions introduced to stop the spread of Covid-19, we have explored the restrictions remaining in place and guidance surrounding mass participation events. We now feel we have been left with no other choice.

"As a charity and as an event organiser, we have a duty of care to our runners, volunteers, sponsors, partners and supporters and, without sufficient clarity from the Government and scientific guidelines, and without indication that large numbers are able to gather safely without the risk of a second spike, we feel we can no longer ensure our runners and the community’s safety and our event and charity’s integrity, by allowing the event to go ahead.

"We are absolutely heartbroken.

"We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and patience as we all digest and come to terms with this announcement. We hope, that along with the Joining Jack and Run Wigan Festival teams, you are able to be part of and enjoy the virtual event."

Joining Jack said it had been left "shell-shocked" by the financial impact of the coronavirus as it cannot put on its big public fund-raising events.

Virtual event participants have until August 31 to complete their run and get in touch with the charity.

Anyone who does not want to take part has until July 31 to take up the offer of deferring their entry to the 2021 festival. Those who do not get in touch will automatically be entered into the virtual event.

The Family Mile has been cancelled completely and all entrants will be automatically transferred to next year's event.

Anyone who completes the virtual event will get a 25 per cent discount for the 2021 festival. Medals and T-shirts will be posted out to finishers.

The virtual 10k, meanwhile, will take place throughout September and October.

Again runners have the choice of either completing the official course or a route of their own devising of the same length.

Registration for new competitors will remain open until August 31 at a reduced price of £15. The deadline for virtual runs is October 31.

Those who complete a virtual 10k will receive a new medal featuring Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium on the front and a special message thanking NHS staff and key workers from Jack Johnson on the back.

Jack and his family have been shielding at home since lockdown began and wanted to pay tribute to those who have worked over the past few months to keep the country safe.

Evidence of a virtual run, either a photograph, video or Strava screenshot, should be emailed to [email protected] for the half-marathon, 10-miler or 5k or [email protected] for the 10k.