The Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO) group has celebrated the return of mass participation sports events across England, following the UK government’s confirmation that Covid restrictions in England can be dropped from the so-called ‘freedom day’ on July 19.
This gives the green light for the return of major mass participation outdoor running events across the country. MSO members, including the organisers of the London Marathon, parkrun, the Great North Run, Brighton Marathon, the ASICS London 10K, London Landmarks Half Marathon, The Vitality Big Half, Manchester Marathon and This Mum Runs, have worked together to plan protocols.
The MSO members add that this delivers…’operational solutions that ensure the safe return of mass participation events outdoors.’
The Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO) group was formed in 2019 to work together to create and introduce sustainable practices in mass participation sports events in the UK.
MSO includes Cancer Research UK, ChampionChip Ireland, Goldline Events, Grounded Events, GSi Events, Human Race, LimeLight Sports, London Landmarks Half Marathon, London Marathon Events, parkrun, Run 4 Wales, Running High Events, RunThrough Events, The Great Run Company, This Mum Runs and Threshold Sports.
The MSO has worked with Run Britain, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England to agree protocols that ensure mass participation outdoor events can be held safely.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events, said “It is wonderful to confirm that our great mass participation events are returning across the country. Extensive scientific research worldwide has shown that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 outdoors is negligible.
“The UK’s event organisers have worked together to ensure the safe return of mass participation sports events outdoors by participating in the government’s Events Research Programme and collaborating on a range of protocols that ensure our events will be safe and Covid-secure.”
Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company, said “Our events inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active, which is so important for both physical and mental health. Participants in the MSO’s calendar of events generate more than £250 million every year for charities – and these funds are so desperately needed now, as the services of charities are vital to support vulnerable members of society.”
Nick Pearson, CEO of parkrun, added “The work of MSO has ensured our much-loved events can return and we invite everyone to take part – join your local parkrun, enter one of the nation’s iconic events and think about raising funds for the charity of your choice. We can’t wait to welcome back our parkrun family on 24 July.”
Over the coming months, the MSO event calendar includes:
- 20 July: Standard Chartered Great City Race
- 21 July: return of This Mum Runs community runs
- 24 July: return of parkrun
- 25 July: ASICS London 10K
- 1 August: London Landmarks Half Marathon
- 8 August: return of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events
- 22 August: The Vitality Big Half
- 5 September: London Summer Run
- 12 September: Great North Run
- 12 September: Brighton Marathon
- 19 September: Great Bristol Run
- 26 September: Hackney Half
- 26 September: Great Manchester Run
- 3 October: Virgin Money London Marathon
- 10 October: Royal Parks Half Marathon
- 10 October: Manchester Marathon
- 17 October: Oxford Half
