Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury 10k postponed after heavy snow

Shrewsbury's popular road race has fallen to the weather.

Published
The Shrewsbury 10k has been postponed

The Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury 10k was postponed on Sunday morning as snow fell across the county.

Race organisers said the decision had been taken for the safety of competitors. Parts of the course had been affected and roads leading to the town had been hit by the snow and ice.

The race will be rearranged later in the year.

In a statement on its website and social media, the race directors said: "Parts of the course have been affected by the adverse weather compromising the safety and welfare of competitors.

"Following discussions with Shropshire Highways team and the Met Office, it is apparent that routes accessing Shrewsbury have also been badly affected in the last few hours.

"Forecasts have been closely monitored and with Shrewsbury remaining on the edge of weather warning areas the decision to postpone was held off for as long as possible.

"We are disappointed not to be able to deliver the event as planned but our primary concern is the safety and welfare of competitors, spectators and volunteers. The event will be rescheduled later in the year, a date to be announced."

Runners said it was disappointing but understandable.

Del Wedge said it was absolutely the right decision while John Thompson said: "It’s a shame but the right decision for the safety of us all."

Some competitors said the decision should have been made on Saturday.

Others thanked the race directors for waiting to see if the race could have been held.

John Oliver said: "With no lying snow earlier, I think this was the right option. Thanks for trying to keep it on "

A Sport Relief Challenge at the Venue, Oswestry, home of Welsh football champions, The New Saints, was also postponed with organisers saying that the route of the six mile run/walk was not safe.