COVID-19 creates stumbling block for fun run organisers

Fun Run 2  TBW Newsgroup
FUN RUN CANCELLED: The Blue Lake Fun Run has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and health concerns.

Fun Run 2  TBW Newsgroup
FUN RUN CANCELLED: The Blue Lake Fun Run has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and health concerns.

ALTHOUGH the Blue Lake Fun Run has cancelled for 2020, organisers are urging runners to keep training and focus on its return next year.

The Lakes Rotary Club – which organises the major community event – announced earlier this month the fun run would not proceed for the first time since it was launched in 2010.

Traditionally held in late November or early December, committee member Trevor Williams said the decision came down to the logistics and reality of holding an event during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We would usually have all the planning organised by now and sponsorship sorted but at the moment we can not,” he said.

“Due to social distancing it was virtually impossible to hold an event which involves 1000 people gathering in one space.”

After lengthy discussions, Mr Williams said the committee decided to cancel the event and focus on next year.

“It is in our best interest to keep people safe and health concerns are a risk so it was our responsibility to cancel,” he said.

Mr Williams said the organising committee was already working towards the 2021 installment.

“People should be fitter than ever if they continue training for next year,” he said.

“We know people will be disappointed, but it is the right thing to do.”