We are used to events being called off due to adverse weather conditions – usually through snow, ice, high winds, or floods – but not due to the heat. However, that was the case last night (Tuesday 19 July) when the organisers, London Marathon Events (LME) pulled the plug on the fully sold-out Standard Chartered Great City Race for safety reasons.

Teams of runners from businesses across London were due to race from the Honourable Artillery Company grounds on a 5K circuit that includes a loop of the City of London, passing landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Tower 42, and the Bank of England.    

In a statement issued on Friday (15 July) Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Standard Chartered Great City Race said: “The health and safety of our participants is always our number one priority and as the UK experiences the current extreme heatwave, with a red weather warning from the Met Office and temperatures predicted to reach 38°C in central London on Tuesday, we believe the responsible decision is to postpone the Standard Chartered Great City Race."

Sonia Rossetti, spokesperson for Standard Chartered said: "While I'm disappointed that we won't be getting together on Tuesday, the health and safety of the runners and those who support the delivery of the event is paramount. This fantastic occasion creates such a great atmosphere in the City of London and for those taking part in Run From Home, so I'm delighted that we are working towards the option of holding the 2022 Standard Chartered Great City Race at a later date this summer". 

Standard Chartered Great City Race was due to start at 7:15pm, with more than 5,000 runners competing in the annual corporate challenge that takes place on closed roads through the City of London. The race was first held in 2005 and in 2019 there were 309 teams and 6,396 participants.

The Standard Chartered Great City Race 'Run From Home' was added to the programme in 2020 with more than 200 teams taking part but this virtual element of the Standard Chartered Great City Race on Tuesday 19 July has also been postponed for the same safety reasons.

LME said: "All participants have been sent an email and an SMS message today informing them of the decision and they will be updated via email in the coming weeks with any further information on the rearranged event and their options."

Previous results via runABC South race listing here and event details at the race website here

Image courtesy Standard Chartered Great City Race on Facebook