A HIGHLY anticipated half marathon, which was set to make a return after a 29-year break, has been postponed due to growing coronavirus concerns.

The Mayflower 400 Harwich Half Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 5 will be held back until next year.

Harwich Runners and the Rotary Club of Harwich and Dovercourt said they are sad to announce the postponement of the event until Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Andy Fern, joint organiser from Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club, said: “I’m sure given the news and the uncertainty in the world at the moment, it doesn’t come as any great surprise, but given the unprecedented circumstances, there wasn’t any other decision to make.

“We really wanted to postpone it until October or November, but it’s a safer if we will run it next year.

“We have been closely monitoring the escalating coronavirus situation and at a time of such uncertainty and worry, we feel it is only right we do not go ahead.”

He added they have been planning the event for 18 months.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but given the developing unprecedented situation, it is felt that as race organisers we are left with no choice but to act with the best interests of all the runners, volunteers, organisers and spectators”, Mr Fern said.

The entry limit of 1,100 will be lifted allowing more people to enter the race next year and the existing runner transfer process will remain open.

Every runner who has a place in the Mayflower 400 Harwich Half Marathon will be able to take part in the rescheduled event next year without taking any further action.

All runners who choose not to take part or are unable to do so in the rescheduled event may receive their race medal and t-shirt which has been purchased, but more details on how people can arrange to collect their items will be provided at a later date.

Braintree and Witham Times: LOGO COMPETITION: HDHS student creation to feature on medals, t-shirts and trophies. From left to right is Andy Fern, Rotary club of Harwich and Dovercourt, Cheyanne Smith, Harwich and Dovercourt High School, Russell Mowle, Anything Print and Stephen Peck, Race director at Harwich Runners.LOGO COMPETITION: HDHS student creation to feature on medals, t-shirts and trophies. From left to right is Andy Fern, Rotary club of Harwich and Dovercourt, Cheyanne Smith, Harwich and Dovercourt High School, Russell Mowle, Anything Print and Stephen Peck, Race director at Harwich Runners.

The Harwich Half Marathon was started by Harwich Round Table in 1982 and taken over by the then newly formed Harwich Running Club in 1985 until 1991.

The early 1980s then running boom attracted thousands of runners to the Harwich Half Marathon.

Some of those who were enticed to try running back then, are the founders of Harwich Runners and are still involved in the club today.