Pagham Pram Race postponed ‘with great regret’

The 75th annual Pagham Pram Race has been postponed until further notice.
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After ‘careful consideration’ of ‘all the possible ways’ of running the Boxing Day event during the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have confirmed the decision, ‘with great regret’ to delay it for safety reasons.

A spokesperson said: “It is with great regret we have to announce that this year’s race due to take place on Boxing Day 2020 will be postponed until further notice.

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“The race committee have not taken this decision lightly. After having discussions with local partners, Arun District Council, our main sponsors and our insurers, we have concluded it would be impossible to ensure the one to two metre distancing rule required under the current Covid-19 directives.

Pagham Pram Race 2019 SUS-191230-111854003Pagham Pram Race 2019 SUS-191230-111854003
Pagham Pram Race 2019 SUS-191230-111854003

“We also have taken into account the impact this will have on the local public houses.

“The event has grown over the last few years to a point where we regularly expect to see crowds of over 5,000 spectators lining the route, therefore the costs involved in complying with the requirements would far exceed any charitable gains.”

It was deemed ‘unlikely’ that the organisers could ‘guarantee anyone’s safety from any Covid-19 contact’.

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Committee chairman, Tim Holland, said “We are well aware that many local good causes and charities rely on us each year to help them keep their projects and good causes going.

“Particularly, after last year’s record amount of £20,000 given to 36 local groups, it is extremely disappointing to have to postpone this year’s 75th anniversary event.”

Paul Moore, one of the main sponsors, said that despite the motto for the world famous race being rain or shine the race would be run, ‘no one could predict Covid-19’.

He added: “We at Newbarn Kia believe the race committee have made the right decision to postpone the running of this year’s race until it is safe to do so.

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“We would urge everyone to visit their website and donate as much as possible so they can help limit the impact this decision will have on local charities.”

The race organisers have also not been able to run the usual fundraising events, ‘which also includes our Grand Xmas Draw’.

“Therefore, in place of our usual fundraising activities we have set up a JustGiving page which will allow members of the public, who would normally support the Pram Race, a vehicle to do so.

“The details of how you can donate can be found on our website www.paghampramrace.com.

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“We would greatly appreciate any donation however small so we can carry on supporting our local good causes.”

The pram race committee thanked the public ‘for all for your support in the past’ but said it’s ‘our turn to support you by keeping you and the local community safe’.

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