Wenlock Olympian Games' marathon is saved as more sign on to run
A marathon set up in Shropshire in the glow of the London Olympics has been saved from the threat of the axe at the last minute.
Organisers of the Wenlock Olympian Games' marathon had considered ditching this year's event after fewer than 50 people signed up for the challenging course.
But after a last-minute rush of entrants the marathon will go ahead as planned on Sunday, May 17.
"The marathon is a very tough course," said one of the organisers Helen Cromarty. "We needed at least 50 athletes to make the marathon viable.
"We were going to have a meeting on Wednesday to decide whether to go ahead, but we've had a number of entrants over the weekend and that means we can run it again.
"We first ran it in 2012 and it was a success," she said.
"Last year was okay, but this year, for whatever reason, it has been a struggle."
The half-marathon planned for the same date will also go ahead.
Both events will be opened by Olympic triple jump champion, Jonathan Edwards, the reigning world record holder.
"We're delighted to welcome Jonathon Edwards back who will fire the start gun on the day," Mrs Cromarty added.
Mr Edwards, a BBC commentator and President of Wenlock Olympian Society, was also guest of honour during the first marathon in 2012.
He said he was delighted to be returning.
The half marathon will start and finish at the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, covering a scenic route taking in the footpaths, trails, bridlepaths and lanes in and around Much Wenlock.
