Runners complete Doncaster 30k despite event being cancelled

The Round Donny Run was scheduled to take place on July 19 but due to Covid-19 the race was cancelled.

But organiser Tony Vout along with three others decided that they would still take on the 30k track down the Trans Pennine Trail.

Sophie Fenelon, his partner, said: “This year was set to be the biggest yet.

“We’ve organised the 30k two years in a row but we knew we had to cancel this one in March.”

The event would have raised money for the Doncaster Deaf Trust if it had gone ahead.

But many runners decided to donate their entrance fee which meant they raised £225 despite the event being cancelled.

Four runners did in fact decide to run the 30k in a socially distanced manner.

“Tony wanted to run to mark his father's death,” Sophie said.

“He passed away in early May and it coincided with his parents' wedding anniversary.

“It was cathartic for him to run the race in their memory.”

As an organiser Tony does not usually get to take part in the race and was glad to experience the buzz of finishing such a lengthy track.

Due to the lockdown, many people have taken up jogging or running as a hobby and the organisers of Round Donny Run are excited that this may mean an increase in people attending their event next year.

Sophie said: “We have already started planning next year's run.

“The running community is great.

“You can go from running two miles on your lunch break to doing a half marathon in no time.”

Sophie and Tony also run Balanced Coaching which has moved online during the lockdown.

Their goal has been to keep people's motivation to exercise going during the last few months.

“Running is an amazing mood booster and can help boost your immune system,” Sophie said.

“It’s not an exclusive sport and it can be catered to all skill levels.”

If you want to find out more about Balanced Coaching you can do here.

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