One of Penrith’s most popular annual sporting events has been axed due to the health pandemic.
The Western Sydney Marathon, which was due to be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on June 28, will not go ahead this year due to current restrictions around gatherings and movement.
The Office of Sport, which runs the event each year, made the decision to cancel after closely monitoring the situation and seeking advice from NSW Health and the State Emergency Operations Centre.
“While some restrictions may be easing, it has become clear that the safest and most appropriate action to give our participants certainty is to cancel the event and commence planning for 2021,” a spokesperson said.
“Consideration was given to moving the date to later in the year, however our decision not to was based on venue availability and a busy running calendar in the later part of the year.”
The Western Sydney Marathon will return in 2021 on Sunday, June 27 at the former Olympic venue.
Runners who were due to take part next month have been offered a free transfer of their entry to the 2021 event, or are entitled to a refund.
“The refund will exclude surcharges and booking fees and is only applicable for paid registrations for 2020,” a spokesperson said.
“Complimentary entries or transfers from 2019 will be transferred to 2021.”
Registrations for next year’s Western Sydney Marathon, which features five race distances catering to all ages and abilities, will re-open shortly.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
