Chichester Priory 10k: Let's hope blank race day was a one-off

The 10k - due to take place last Sunday - was called off some time ago because of Covid lockdown restrictions, and attention is now on hoping next year’s will be run at the normal time with proper numbers.

Graham Jessop, director of a race that was launched 30 years ago this year, said: “It seems so strange to that the first Sunday in February has gone without a Chichester Priory 10k to report on.

“The pandemic has played havoc with the road running calendar.

“Usually this edition of the Observer would be packed with pictures, results and reports on different runners’ achievements, but all we have this year are great memories from past races.

“We hope that by February 2022 there will be a return to some kind of normality and mass participation events again will be permitted.

“The organisers, the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, took the decision in August that because of Covid and social distancing requirements and advice, we were unable to plan an event in February 2021 which would be safe for runners, spectators and helpers.

“At the time some eyebrows were raised as to the decision being a little premature but our caution proved correct. The organisers were devastated at the time but subsequently relieved that a significant amount of time and effort was not wasted in planning the event and having to pull the plug at the last minute.

“Now we’ll carefully follow the progress of the pandemic and review the situation as and when things improve.

“Future plans will be announced in the Observer and Sunday, February 6, 2022 has been pencilled in.”

Meantime, enjoy this spread of pictures from past Priory 10ks down the years.