Another big blow for sport: Chichester Half Marathon called off

Runners soon after the start of the 2019 race / Picture: Derek Martin

The popular race is the latest high-profile sporting casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers Everyone Active, the Chichester district's leisure provider, said it regretted it had to announce the cancellation of the event, which had been due to take place on Sunday, October 4.

In the light of the global pandemic along with social distancing measures and restrictions on group gatherings, organisers have come to the conclusion that the event will no longer be possible.

It is a blow to hundreds who take part in each year. But there are hopes that some kind of 'virtual' alternative may be held to allow people to complete the 13-mile run they have been starting to train for.

Stuart Mills, contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Along with a number of other event organisers, we have not taken the decision lightly to cancel the Chichester Half Marathon.

“Unfortunately the likelihood of a much smaller field than usual and the potential reduction in the runners' enjoyment of the experience made the decision inevitable.

"We understand that this will be sad news for many, but wanted to give all prospective entrants as much notice as possible ahead of the event.

“The organisers are determined to be back with the event in 2021, and we look forward to seeing you all there.”

Those who have already entered for this year’s event will have their entry carried forward to next year.

Everyone Active is also hoping to stage a virtual competition throughout the whole of October so that people can safely do their run and distance at a time which is safe and convenient for them to do so. Further information will be available on this nearer the time.

The Chi Half - originally launched in 1987 to celebrate the centenary of the Chichester Observer - was revived in 2012 as a multi-terrain race and has proved highly popular since. Chichester ace James Baker has won it every year since but will now have to wait to bid for his ninth straight victory.

Chi Half is a success all over again