Time Running Out for Ealing Half Marathon
More entrants needed to ensure this year's event can proceed
You need to get a move on to enter this year's Ealing Half. Picture: Dawn Guler
This year’s Ealing Half Marathon may not go ahead if more people don’t quickly sign up to take part.
The event is planned for Sunday 26 September but the Community Interest Company (CIC) which organises it for the benefit of the community has seen its revenue decline by 85% during the pandemic and the lifting of restrictions later in the year won’t be enough to guarantee the race goes ahead.
Last year’s race was called off due to coronavirus restriction but, with legal limits on social contact expected to be lifted in June, the race is likely to be permitted this September.
Sandra Courtney, Race Director, explained: “Without enough runners and revenue, we simply can’t afford to put the race on.
"It costs over £250K to host the event, with the hire of marquees, portaloos, security and event insurance being just a few of the upfront costs.
“Our overheads still had to be paid during a year of lockdown despite our income being down by 85 per cent. Sadly, all our reserves are now gone,” Courtney says. “We are reliant on enough runners signing-up quickly, so we have enough money to pay the upfront event costs. Refunds will be offered if the race doesn’t go ahead.”
Any surplus ploughed from the event is put back into local community projects. It was voted the UK’s best half marathon three years in row and is west London’s only fully road closed half marathon. Around 5,000 runners take part each year and between them have raised over £2.5 million for charities and good causes. The CIC also runs two 10K races at Osterley Park and the Ealing Mile races in Lammas Park – all of which were cancelled during the pandemic.
Sandra Courtney added, “After a year of no events and little income, we really need the community to get behind this unique event and help us reach full capacity as soon as possible. We encourage anyone wanting to experience the #EalingFeeling to secure their place now and encourage a friend to sign up too! We are looking forward to welcoming runners old and new to the ninth Ealing Half Marathon.”
Runners prepare to take on the Ealing Half Marathon. Picture: Lauren Crawley
The race starts and finishes in Lammas Park and the 13.1 mile course takes in the leafy streets and parks of central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens. Each year thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer on the runners.
Entries for the 2021 Ealing Half Marathon are now open and cost £48 (affiliated) and £50 (unaffiliated). Refunds will be offered if the race doesn’t go ahead. Runners can enter now at www.ealinghalfmarathon.com.
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April 1, 2021
