THE Hailsham Community Run has been postponed for a second time after ongoing emergency utility works in the town centre failed to be completed in time.
Organisers had hoped the popular event, which attracts around 1,000 runners and thousands of spectators, could go ahead this Bank Holiday weekend after its original postponement earlier this month.
However, Sports Systems and the Hailsham Community Run organisers have now confirmed the event will not take place this weekend, with a new provisional date set for Sunday, July 12, subject to council approval.
The latest setback follows continued repair works on Station Road, where UK Power Networks has been carrying out emergency works.
Liam, from Sports Systems, said a further complication emerged during excavation work when a high-pressure gas main was discovered close to the repair area.
He said: “Over the past few days, we have been in discussions with Wealden District Council and East Sussex Highways regarding the ongoing situation.
“Unfortunately, the UKPN repair works on Station Road have still not been completed. During excavation works, the team on site identified a high-pressure gas main close to the area requiring repair. As a result, they are now awaiting sign-off from SGN before work can continue.
“At present, that sign-off has not yet taken place, and therefore there is still no confirmed timeframe for completion of the repairs.”
Organisers had been told there was a strong possibility a temporary road surface could be installed to allow the event to proceed this weekend before permanent repairs resumed next week.
But with repair works yet to begin, organisers said they made the decision now to avoid another last-minute cancellation.
Liam added: “We wanted to give all entrants as much advance notice as possible so that, if required, they would have time to make alternative plans for the Bank Holiday weekend.
“There are also many other people involved in delivering the event, including volunteers, sponsors, suppliers and partners and we felt it was important to provide clarity early this week rather than risk another last-minute postponement.”
Project Lead of the Hailsham Community Run, Mary Laxton, said: “Its been a very difficult and taxing five days since this trench was brought to our attention. The impact on the community, businesses and partners has been very taxing, but the support and understanding from everyone made the days more bearable. We look forward to seeing you all on the 12th July .”
The proposed new date of July 12 has now been submitted to Wealden District Council for approval, with full confirmation expected in due course.
All entrants have been contacted directly with information regarding their entries.
Organisers acknowledged the revised date may not work for everyone and apologised for the continued disruption.
