THE award-winning Ealing Half Marathon will return on Sunday, September 26 – but only if enough people enter the race soon.

Organisers say their income has reduced by 85 per cent during the pandemic, and the lifting of restrictions later in the year won’t be enough to guarantee the race goes ahead.

The event was cancelled in 2020 due to Coronavirus restrictions. However, with legal limits on social contact expected to be lifted in June, the race is likely to go ahead this September.

Sandra Courtney, race director, explained: “Without enough runners and revenue, we simply can’t afford to put the race on.”

It costs more than £250K to host it, through the hire of marquees, portaloos, security and event insurance as upfront costs.

“Our overheads still had to be paid during a year of lockdown. Sadly, all our reserves are now gone,” said Sandra.

“We are reliant on enough runners signing up quickly, so we have enough money to pay the upfront costs. Refunds will be offered if the race doesn’t go ahead.”

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The race is run by a Community Interest Company, with any surplus ploughed into community projects.

Around 5,000 runners usually take part, and between them they have raised more than £2.5m for good causes.

The CIC also runs two 10K races at Osterley Park and the popular Ealing Mile races in Lammas Park – all of which were cancelled during the pandemic.

Sandra added: “We really need the community to get behind this unique event and help us reach full capacity as soon as possible.”

The race starts and finishes in Lammas Park and the 13.1 mile course takes in the leafy streets and parks of Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens. Each year thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer on the runners.

Entries are now open and cost £48 (affiliated) and £50 (unaffiliated). Runners should go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com