MAY date set for Gateshead half marathon as post-lockdown events go ahead

Gateshead Half was first scheduled for April 12, 2020, but organisers were quick to postpone it as the extent of the coronavirus pandemic emerged.

The rescheduled date for the inaugural half marathon, on August 30, 2020, was then pushed again. 

• READ MORE: Much-loved Parkrun events to return in June, with junior races starting sooner

Now, participants should grab their running shoes get training as the event is set to go ahead on May 30. 

In an email announcement, organisers thanked runners for their patience over the last year before revealing the date. 

If the new date does not work, runners also have the option to go virtual and can run the half on a day that works for them. All you have to do is email proof of your run.

Entries will be automatically rolled over to May 30, with more information coming closer to the time.

It comes as the government's road map out of lockdown offers a glimmer of hope after a year of closure.

From March 29, outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, will be allowed to reopen, and people can take part in formally-organised outdoor sports.

Meanwhile, from May 17, additional rules are relaxed to allow for large sporting events.

The dates are provisional depending on the progress of vaccine roll-outs,  evidence vaccines have reduced hospitalisations and deaths, infection rates, pressure on the NHS and the risk of variants. 

• READ MORE: 21 North-East and Yorkshire places you can go on a caravan holiday from April 12 as lockdown eases

Parkrun UK also announced plans to restart both junior and much-loved 5k Parkrun events across England.

Junior Parkrun events across England will be able to return from Sunday, April 11, while all 5k runs will be back from June 5. 

Gateshead Half organisers said: said: "Firstly, thank you all for your patience with us over the past year. 

"Following the latest government update last week and the outlining of the roadmap to ease the current national lockdown in England and the anticipated dates of return to activity - we have been eagerly awaiting an official statement from our governing body with regard to the continuation of road races.

"Unfortunately, this has still not been confirmed and we thought it would be best to make a decision on our side sooner rather than later with regard to this event in order to maximise the chance of the event being able to proceed safely."