THE SHAKESPEARE Marathon and Half Marathon isn’t on its last legs despite having to be cancelled due to “disappointingly low entry numbers”.
That was the commitment made by Stratford Rotary Club as it made the shock announcement on its website that after few people registered to take part in the once hugely popular running event, the plug was being pulled this year.
Runners from across the country would descend on the town during Shakespeare’s Birthday Weekend in past years to take part in the 13.1 mile or 26.2 mile course through the town and out around the surrounding villages, before coming home along the Greenway.
But this year there have not been enough entries to make the races viable on Sunday April 23. The Rotary Club does not however rule out the marathon and half marathon making a comeback.
The message from the Rotary Club reads: “It is with great regret that the Rotary Club of Stratford has made the decision to cancel the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon, due to be held on Sunday 23rd April 2023, due to disappointingly low entry numbers.
“The event is organised for the sole purpose of raising funds for charities and we know that you will be as disappointed as we are that the event is not taking place, but to produce the races on the current and thus projected entry numbers means that the event will not be financially viable.
“Current entrants have been contacted by email and will be automatically refunded in full.
“We are reviewing the future viability of the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon and would like to thank you for your support over the many years of the event, and we hope to see you again in the future.”
