Nottingham's full Robin Hood marathon 'very unlikely' to go ahead

The half marathon was first run in Nottingham in 1981, and full marathon in 1982

Nottingham's annual full Robin Hood marathon may not happen for the first time in 30 years, organisers have said.

The 26-mile course has been affected by the construction of two new tram lines in the city.

Chris Sumner, the race's director, said he was struggling to re-route the marathon and was "95% certain" it would not take place.

But the half marathon and fun run would go ahead on 30 September, with the routes confirmed soon, Mr Sumner said.

Final decision

The event's organisers said they were seeking a "better, faster course" to build a more high-profile event for Nottingham but had struggled to come up with a route that would not close down the tram or avoid the tram works.

There were also issues with the route around the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, they said.

"Up until now we have been able to run on quiet roads around it but we can no longer do that as it has become busier," Mr Sumner said.

"The tram works at the toll bridge island, coming out of the Meadows, also make it impossible for us to finish over the toll bridge."

A final decision on the full marathon would be made in March, Mr Sumner said.

Nottingham's half marathon first took place in the city in 1981, with the full marathon taking place a year later.

It has been an annual event ever since.

About 12,000 people took part in the Robin Hood Festival of Running in 2011, with 1,424 completing the full marathon.