One running race is persisting to go-ahead, despite restrictions under current Covid-19 alert levels. 

Entries close tomorrow for the Monteith’s Clyde to Alexandra, which takes place this Saturday, with runners and walkers hoping for smooth sailing at the event which has had to reorganise itself to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. 

The event was meant to be held in August but was cancelled due to restrictions at the time. 

The event will go-ahead, with starting waves of 100 maximum, starting at different times and getting ready in separate zones.

This also means the organisers will move the athletes on from the finish line so there is no crowding. 

Unfortunately there will be no children’s event. 

Race Director Bill Godsall says the organising committee had to reorganise the event to allow it to run under Covid Alert Level 2. 

“The change of date has meant less entries this year which is a pity as the club has decided, unlike a lot of events, to work with the restrictions rather than cancel like many similar events.  

“Entries close Wednesday midnight as we need to know exact numbers early to ensure we can meet covid restrictions and the process for handling that at the gathering.

“People should enter the race because there aren’t many 10km road races around plus it’s a great course expect a fast time plus they will be supporting a harrier club plus it is the most cost efficient race they will enter nowadays.

“What will people get out of it, I guess the satisfaction of actually achieving a goal firstly and also being part of a running race when most are being cancelled due to covid lots of people trained for the QT marathon and didn’t get to do it so here is their chance to use that training.”

The event has been going for 52 years which makes it one of the longest running events in the country, it’s a 10km run and walk with a shorter option 6km run / walk as well. 

“The big one from us is that we will be closing entries on Wednesday, and won't allow late entries as we need to know exact waves so we can handle the numbers, whereas in the past we would get slammed on the day with late entries. 

“Unfortunately this means that the children's off-road races have had to be cancelled as we will need all our volunteer marshals to run the 10km and 6 km events.  

All existing entries in the children's races will be contacted and the entry fees refunded. 

The race takes place this Saturday, November 27 and entries are now open.

Entries close 11.59pm, Wednesday November 24.

The races will be run in waves of 100 to ensure compliance with the Covid Alert Level 2 rules. This means that entry numbers are limited for each event.  

Entry is on a first come, first served basis. There will be no on-the-day entries.  

For more information and to enter, click here.