The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of Winery Run Hunter Valley for the second year in a row.
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The 2021 event was set to be staged from the famous Wandin Cricket Pavilion in Lovedale on October 10, having already been postponed just weeks before its original date of July 18 when Greater Sydney went into lockdown.
Organiser Paul Humphreys of H Events said Thursday's NSW Government announcement about the 'roadmap' to eased restrictions gave no clear indication about when large-scale outdoor event can take place, leaving no choice but to cancel the event.
The running festival - which includes a half-marathon, 10.5km and 5km running events and a two-kilometre kids' race - was set to attract over 1500 runners and 2000 spectators to the Hunter Valley, bringing an economic benefit of almost $1 million dollars to Wine Country.
Mr Humphreys said the organisers are shattered to again cancel the event again.
"Like all event organisers, we are in an impossible position to have to work months ahead, expend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to prepare these events only to closed down by COVID. Our nerves are slowly wearing thin," he said.
"The good news is, we have 1500 race bibs and medals in the cupboard - luckily not dated - and are committed to surviving this COVID mess."
The 2022 festival will return to its usual mid-winter date, to be held on Sunday, July 17 at Wandin.
"Our new venue at Wandin is outstanding and the Lovedale community, in particular the residents along Talga Road have been very generous to allow the event to take place," Mr Humphreys said.
All entries are automatically held over to the new date. Those who are unable to participate on the new date can find their options at www.wineryrun.com.