Covid-19 forces the cancellation of a popular Sunderland charity run for the first time in seven years

Organisers of the Run 2 Respect had to take the difficult decision to cancel the 5k run which would have been held at Silksworth on Sunday, November 1.

But the continuing threat of the coronavirus has forced the cancellation and event founder Claire Douglas said: “Due to the impact of Covid-19 and the ongoing risks associated with the virus, it is with deepest regret that I have taken the hard decision to cancel Run to Remember 2020.

"Given we are still unable to return to ‘normal’ and other large scale events are not going ahead, I feel unable to do so either.

"Participants safety is my highest priority and I am unable to ensure it. We will endeavour to run the event in 2021.”

She urged all those who have supported the event over the years to ‘stay home, stay safe’.

Last year’s Run 2 Respect was a huge success and it had a star name to launch it.

They were treated to an event to remember with SAFC legend Kevin Ball starting the race, and ‘Big Pink Dress’ Colin Burgin-Plews getting loads of encouragement in his latest creation complete with headwear covered in poppies.

Claire is no stranger to fundraising and has been organising charity runs for years.

Her efforts helped her to win the Sunderland Echo Best of Wearside 2015 Fundraiser of the Year trophy and she has never stopped since.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.