Omagh Half Marathon cancelled for a second year

The popular SPAR Omagh Half Marathon has been cancelled for a second year owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It had been hoped to run this year’s event in April as usual after last year’s had to be shelved.

However the organising committee has just confirmed that the 2021 event will not run.

“We are desperately disappointed but the painful decision has been taken to cancel the SPAR Omagh Half Marathon 2021,” said a spokesman.

“This news will not come as a surprise to most of you. Considering the current pandemic levels there was no real chance that an event of our size could be safely held in April 2021. The pressure on the Health Service is greater than ever so we are not even comfortable encouraging more groups out training at the minute.

“The is a huge decision for the committee. No one thought we would have an almost worsening situation than last year. The safety of runners, volunteers and spectators must remain the priority.

“Caught up in this decision are people who have deferred from last year to this year’s race. We will be in touch with all of those runners regarding this with refund, deferral to the 2022 event and gifting to our 2020 charity, The Air Ambulance NI being offered

“Hope does remain that competitive racing will resume later this year but luck was not on our side this time.”