End of road for English Half Marathon?

THE organiser of the annual English Half Marathon fears this year’s could be the last in Warrington following financial cut backs.

Locally based Rob Griffiths says he faces the “heartbreaking” decision of pulling out of Warrington following a “double whammy” from the borough council who have not been able to provide financial support this year – and increased costs.

Rob said: “This is a heartbreaking position to be in as a Warrington lad. I took the event on four years ago when everybody else walked away from it.

“I have propped the event financially ever since. Our team have taken it from a 1000-person event to what we expect to be over 5000 in 2016.

“Despite increased participation the event will not break even again in 2016.

“We have been hit with a double whammy with the council cutting their planned support and also significantly increasing their costs with no real rationale.

“We work with some great local authorities with our other events – they believe that running events add vibrancy to their community, deliver economic impact, benefit charities and the local health agenda. We just aren’t playing on that playing field in Warrington.

“The world-class events that we put on in other towns and cities will most certainly continue and expand in 2017. It is very sad that a successful Warrington based event company may not be able to operate in its home town.

“But if anybody knows me, they know that I will continue to keep this event alive but right now we are planning to go out on a high in 2016.”

Last year Rob’s dream of seeing the event start and finish at the iconic Golden Gates came true, providing a fantastic back drop to the event.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have supported the English half Marathon for two years to assist in its development in the town. However, we gave notice to the organisers last year that we would no longer be able to provide the same level of funding.

“They understood the council’s financial position, and the significant savings we are having to make. It is unfortunate that this issue has been raised at such a late stage when we have been working with the organiser on a regular basis through the Warrington Festival steering group. We have offered assistance this year and are providing support in kind on the day of the event.”