On Sunday, just 24 hours before 23,000 runners were set to race in Portsmouth, England’s Great South Run (16 km), the event was abruptly cancelled due to forecasts of high winds and heavy rain. While safety concerns prompted the organization’s decision, many disappointed participants took to social media, criticizing the cancellation as overcautious and arguing that such weather is typical for the coastal region this time of year.
Nearby weather stations reported that conditions in Portsmouth on Sunday reached 17 C, with wind gusts up to 60 km/h. Rain was also forecasted throughout the morning, promising a wet and windy race for all participants.
Race cancellations are rare (especially for wind)—organizers usually make every effort to proceed as planned, given the time and money vendors, retailers, volunteers and participants have already invested. In this case, runners registered for the Great South Run (GSR) were offered a choice to transfer their entry to next year’s race or receive a refund.
However, the costs for accommodations and transportation add up for participants, especially with rising prices for a hotel stay during the event’s dates. Refunds for accommodations are often only provided with cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance—if they are offered at all.
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On Facebook, some commenters argued that the area hadn’t received any official warnings for dangerous conditions, suggesting the weather wasn’t severe enough to justify the cancellation. “Is this going to be the new normal now?” one comment read. “Cancelling events that have been held in far worse conditions previously, all because the weather warnings are, in the majority, over-exaggerated? A sad reflection of the soft world we now live in.”
As race participants expressed their frustration, the comments grew more heated. “Pathetic decision,” another user wrote. “Yet again, something is being cancelled because it might be a bit wet and windy. What a pathetic world we live in. I hope a huge number of people still turn up tomorrow and run. Absolutely pathetic.”
Typically, in October, Portsmouth has a 30 per cent chance of precipitation and an average wind speed of 22 km/h. Some users suggested that the event should be held at a different time of year if organizers view wind and rain as significant concerns.
Race organizers were likely more focused on the well-being of volunteers, medics, event staff, and police, who would have had to endure the harsh conditions for several hours. The Great South Run demonstrated diligence by erring on the side of caution. Proceeding with the race despite the forecast could have made the event liable if someone were injured.
