Great Run and Stirling

Friday 10th May 2019

Action from the start of the recent Great Stirling Marathon (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Central AC duo win Scottish Marathon golds

The Great Run Company have announced the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Marathon and Great Stirling International XC will not take place next year.

scottishathletics have been involved in the discussions on both events, traditionally in April and early January, for some time but unfortunately it has become apparent that both are viewed as unsustainable.

It’s our full intention now to work on alternative plans for the championship events which have taken place within the Great Stirling International XC and the Great Stirling Marathon in 2019.

While there has been some progress in that regard, it’s not yet appropriate for us to reveal those intentions publicly – we will do so when closer to confirmation with all the parties involved.

‘We’ve taken the difficult decision not to stage the Great Stirling XC or the Great Stirling Run from 2020,’ said a spokesperson for Great Run.

‘For the last 10 years we have been staging world class Cross Country competition in Scotland through the Great International XC.

‘Unfortunately, the costs of staging this event are increasing at the same time as commercial revenue is declining and the reality is, the event is no longer economically viable for us to stage.

‘When the Great Stirling Run was conceived three years ago it was our ambition to build a world class marathon in Stirling. We’ve invested in the event over that time, but sadly we haven’t been able to deliver that ambition and the event in its current format is unsustainable.

‘We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Stirling Council for their excellent support and of course to everyone who has taken part in the event.’

Stirling Council backed both events in recent years.

‘This is obviously a disappointing decision but our focus is already very much on bringing new events to Stirling with new and existing partners.’ said a spokesperson for Stirling Council.

‘The staging of these events in Stirling has further showcased the area’s credentials and quality as a top-class destination for sporting events.

‘We’ve already been contacted by organisations looking to bring new sporting events to the area, which would fulfil our dual aims to boost tourism and promote health and wellbeing through participation opportunities.

‘Our thanks go to all partners for their work over the past three years.’

 

Tags: GreatRun, Stirling

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