A big charity half marathon was cancelled at the last minute after health and safety fears were sparked.
Huddersfield Hilly Half Marathon’s organiser, Prohms, said that they had no option but to scrap this year’s tough event on October 3, just two days before it was due to go ahead, after planned utilities works on St Thomas’ Road failed to be completed in time.
The race was to be based at Cathedral House on that road.
The half marathon, which has raised over £20,000 of crucial funds to the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in the past, was due to be the fourth event of its kind for the occupational health provider.
But Northern Gas Networks, who were behind the ‘essential’ repairs, maintained that the cancellation of the event was ‘unrelated to our work.’
Over 50 people had already paid £17 to join the 13.1 mile event, who were expected to be joined by hundreds more on the day.
Organised a year in advance, the company was told by Kirklees Council that the gas mains work works would take place from early September but that they should be completed by October 3.
Managing director of Prohms, Sandra Babbings, said: “It became apparent that the work may not be finished in time, so we took the difficult decision to cancel the race as we were concerned about the runners having to navigate the partially closed road.
“It’s disappointing for everyone involved. Our team has spent many hours organising the event-people were looking forward to taking part and, of course, the half marathon has raised lots of money for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in the past.
“It’s a shame we won’t be able to do it again this year and we have offered all those who entered the option of a refund or donating their money to the charity.”
Prohms previous half marathons have seen competitors take on the formidable hills of Huddersfield on a circular urban and rural course, which takes in Crosland Moor, Meltham, South Crosland and Armitage Bridge and planning for next year’s event has already got underway.
A spokesman for Northern Gas Networks said the work was undertaken to replace ageing metal gas mains in the area and that their completion date is now due to be October 17.
The site’s manager, Andrew Lambert, said: “We’ve planned our work closely with Kirklees Highways to minimise disruption to both residents and motorists.
“We’ve also put plans into operation to man traffic lights on St Thomas Road and to ensure the public’s safety during the half event.
“But due to circumstances unrelated to our work, the event was subsequently cancelled.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this essential work has caused and thank everyone for their patience.”
