READING Half Marathon will be postponed, organisers have announced.

Goldline Events made the announcement this afternoon (March 16). 

Race Director, Judith Manson, said: "It is with extreme sadness and disappointment that we, Goldline Events, organisers of the 2020 Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge, today confirm the postponement of the race.

"As the true extent of the global emergency surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak continues to emerge, it has become increasingly clear that we would not be able to deliver an event of this scale on Sunday 05 April.

"Nor would we want to place an additional strain on the NHS and emergency services - we want to be part of the solution to this global crisis and not add to the incredibly tough times our nation is currently experiencing.2

She continued: "We know how disappointing this news will be to our thousands of runners, fundraisers, volunteers, operations teams and partner agencies, but the safety and health of all involved, including supporters and members of the public, is our first priority.

"We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our partners and key stakeholders as we work together to find an alternative date.

"We are very close to confirming the date for later this year, but for now ask that all runners monitor their emails and our official race channels.

"Please bear with us as we work through a detailed planning process to reschedule the 2020 event.

"We will continue to monitor developments and UK Government guidance for the months ahead."