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An enforced route change, volunteer no-shows and higher-than-expected on the day runners have been blamed for a number of issues with this year’s City of Preston 10K race.
The SPAR City of Preston 10k was held on Sunday (22 September) and organisers said that an estimated 700 runners showed up.
However, some elements of the event, organised by Not Really Here Group and sponsored by SPAR, have been described as ‘especially challenging’ and organisers are planning to bring the race back for 2025.
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Janet Stocks, 70, told Blog Preston: “I ran it last year as my very first 10k and I was very impressed – this year it was dreadful.
“The course was not the one we were sent, there were not enough marshals and very few signs, so people didn’t know where to go.
“I was very disappointed to get a left-over medal from last year and no t-shirt, both of which I have paid for.”
Janet said that her email address, and that of other runners, was taken but organisers have turned off commenting on social posts which is preventing people from asking questions.
Organisers have moved to reassure runners that their t-shirts will be delivered, but did not address the issue with medals.
They attributed the issues as being due to the temporary closure of the Old Tram Road which meant a new course route, only 12 of 45 signed-up volunteers attending the event, and a large number of runners turning up on the day to run.
However, updates on Facebook before the event showed that organisers had announced registrations had closed.
Organisers said in a statement issued to Blog Preston: “This year’s event was especially challenging due to the route changes, but the runners rose to the occasion. The enthusiasm and determination shown by all participants, from seasoned athletes to first-time racers, were truly inspiring.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year when we hope to return to our original course.”
Organisers also promised to learn from what went wrong in 2024, including implementing an extended volunteer campaign next year and a 10% discount for entry to 2025.
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