Chesterfield half marathon called off because of pandemic - but a new event is planned

Thousands of runners had been looking forward to pounding the streets in October’s half marathon – but the Covid-19 crisis has led to its cancellation.

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However, it is being replaced by the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k on October 17, 2021 – with the full route being announced in the coming months.

Organisers say it will be the first time a 10km event takes place in Chesterfield town centre.

All runners who entered the half marathon will be contacted with further details and entry fee refunds can be requested.

John Timms, Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k event director, said: “Naturally, we are extremely disappointed at the cancellation of the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Under the current guidance available, we as organisers feel that it is in the best interest and safety of all involved to cancel this year’s event.

“However, this has given us a unique opportunity to analyse the success of the Redbrik Half, as well as areas which can be further improved and developed, together with our event partners.

“We have launched the 10k event with a view to further enhancing the experience of both participants and the local community, and ways of generating even more revenue for the event’s charity partners, with almost £150,000 raised by the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to date.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “We’re disappointed the Redbrik Half Marathon cannot go ahead on this occasion, but we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Chesterfield next year to take part in the 10k.”

All entries into the 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and Peak FM Five Mile Run have automatically been deferred to the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

Runners also have the opportunity to donate the difference in their entry fee to the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon charity partners, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, for their work in the local area during the Covid-19 crisis.

For more information, visit the Redbrik website.

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