The Junior and Mini Great North Run events have been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, organisers have confirmed.
The children ’s races were due to take place on Saturday September 10, but the Great North Run team said that they are now looking at alternative dates in the coming weeks. Organisers said that they “do not feel it’s possible to deliver the kind of event experience that children and their families would expect and still ensure it is an appropriate tribute to the life of the Queen”.
The Great North 5k and the UK Athletics 5k Road Championships, which were set to take place on Friday evening, have also been cancelled. The Great North Run itself will still go ahead as planned on Sunday September 11, though there will be some changes to the event to reflect the time of mourning for both the public and the Royal Family.
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The full statement from Great North Run organisers said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.
“In light of this sad news, there will be a number of planned changes to the Great North Run weekend. The Great North 5k, incorporating the UK Athletics 5K Road Championship, will not go ahead as planned. We have also made the decision to postpone the Junior and Mini Great North Run.
“Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead as planned. The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.
“The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much needed charitable donations, a fitting tribute to the Queen, who lived her life in the service of our country and its people.
“Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family. Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we will be encouraging everyone to be mindful of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place, and encourage them to communicate their respect in whichever way they feel appropriate.
“Details of all changes will be directly communicated to participants across the weekend in due course.”
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, added: “We would like to apologise to the young runners and their families, especially those who had already travelled to Newcastle, but given the news of the Queen’s death is still so fresh we felt this was the right and appropriate thing to do.”
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