London Duathlon called off amid safety concerns

The run-bike-run event has been held annually in Richmond Park and last year saw 4,000 people taking part

The London Duathlon has been called off due to “significant operational challenges” and safety concerns.

Billed as the world's largest duathlon, the annual event had been due to see participants run-cycle-run at Richmond Park, south-west London, on 8 September.

About 4,000 people took part last year.

“There have been a number of unforeseen factors this year that have led to this difficult decision, particularly in relation to the operational complexity of producing a multi-sport event," a statement on the London Duathlon website said.

“This includes an increased focus on the security and logistics of cycling events in public spaces which creates significant operational challenges.

Safety measures

"Our team has been working hard to explore all available options in recent weeks, but we have concluded that we can’t make the event work this year.”

In June, The Royal Parks - the charity that manages the site - said it would review cycling events and infrastructure in its parks following "a minority of people cycling at excessive speeds".

On Wednesday, a spokesperson said the charity's discussions with the London Duathlon's new event organiser had begun in June and there had not been enough time for "enhanced mitigations" to "ensure the safety of participants and park visitors" to be put in place, following feedback from last year's event.

“Any cycling events that take place within the parks must have undergone a thorough risk assessment and meet the required level of safety measures," they said.

"The Royal Parks will work with any event organiser to establish what these are depending on the proposed event taking place."

They added the parks "welcome responsible cyclists" and "support cycling events and activities that have appropriate mitigations in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors".

“We will work closely with potential event organisers to determine the future of the event," the spokesperson added.