Virtual race announced as Leigh 10k is cancelled

A popular 10km race raising thousands of pounds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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This year’s Leigh 10k, which had been scheduled for August 2, has been postponed to 2021 and a virtual race offered instead.

The event, which last year saw around 700 runners take to the streets of Leigh, is organised by Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Leigh Harriers, Nectar Creative, Rotary Club of Leigh, Time2Run Events, Fylde Coast Runners and Wigan Council.

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This would have been the fourth annual event and participants were encouraged to raise funds and support Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Last year's Leigh 10kLast year's Leigh 10k
Last year's Leigh 10k

A spokesman for the organising group said: “It is with huge regret that we must announce the cancellation of the Leigh Community 10K this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant it is impossible to stage the event safely this year.

“This was a difficult decision to make as it brings in thousands of pounds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice and was growing in popularity.

“We were keen to see that grow even further this year and were hoping that we could hold the event in some ways. However, it is clear that we cannot hold the event in a way which guarantees social distancing and doesn’t impact upon the NHS.

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“We know this is disappointing but we hope you will join us on August 1, 2021 for the next Leigh Community 10k.”

Everyone who had registered for this year’s race has already been contacted and informed they can take part in next year’s event.

They have also been offered the chance to run the 2020 race virtually and claim their medal.

The spokesman added: “Anyone who has already signed up will have their participation fee rolled over to next year. We know that many people will have been in training and so you can walk or run a virtual 10k by signing up online at a cost of £10."

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