Great South Run cancelled over weather bomb storm warning putting safety at risk

Thousands of participants take part in the Great South Run in Portsmouth in 2008
-Credit: (Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)


The Great South Run has been cancelled due to the high winds and rain expected from Storm Ashley on Sunday (October 20). Organisers of the annual 10-mile race in Portsmouth have been monitoring weather conditions and they “haven’t improved to a point where we can safely stage Sunday’s event”.

In a statement, Great Run said: “The forecasted winds and gusts compromise our event infrastructure including our medical facilities at the finish and around the course. This combined with high tide levels, potential debris, and the exposure along the seafront mean that we can’t guarantee the safe delivery of the event. Safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.

“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and have been liaising closely with the Met Office, medical & safety teams, local authorities and key stakeholders throughout the week to make the best informed decision. We know how disappointing this is and we hope you can understand why this decision has been made. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Participants will be contacted by email about how they can either claim a refund or defer their entry to next year.

READ MORE: Experts warn weather bomb to batter Britain with 80mph winds as 6 flood alerts issued across London

'Weather bomb' heading our way on Sunday

A ‘weather bomb’ is set to hit the UK, with six flood alerts in place across London. The Met Office has warned that there could be a ‘danger to life’ as Storm Ashely’s winds are set to rock the UK. Gusts of wind could reach up to 80mph in some areas of the UK.

An amber weather warning ahead of Storm Ashley has been put in place for parts of the UK from 9am on Sunday until midnight. There will also be a yellow warning in place for some parts between 3am and midnight.

During an Amber weather warning there is a 'good chance' of power cuts and damage to buildings. Transport is also likely to be affected with ‘danger to life’ also possible.

Commuters cross London Bridge, during Storm Ciaran, in London, on Thursday, November 2, 2023
Flood alerts are mostly for places in West London, although there is one in place at London Bridge which warns of possible flooding for Custom House, Bankside by Tate Modern and more areas -Credit:Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images

While London is not currently under the weather warnings, there are still six flood warnings in place for the region. The alerts are mostly for places in West London, although there is one in place at London Bridge which warns of possible flooding for Custom House, Bankside by Tate Modern and more areas.

“Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before it clears on Monday, with a chance of some disruption across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and West Wales,” said Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson.

“A period of especially strong winds are expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an Amber warning for winds has been issued here.

“More generally 50-60 mph are possible in some inland areas in other parts of the warning area, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption. It is important that people stay up to date with the latest forecast and our warnings.”

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