Statement on 2016 London Marathon

Board president Vivian Wineman commented on the decision to hold next year’s London Marathon during Passover, precluding observant runners and Jewish charities:  “We are deeply disappointed that the organisers of the London Marathon have decided to  hold the 2016 London Marathon on the second day of Pesach. This will severely disadvantage Jewish charities, who rely heavily on funds raised by marathon runners, and also Jewish runners who run for other charities. The Board of Deputies was in contact with the organisers of the London Marathon in January and outlined to them our specific concerns. We are saddened that these concerns were not regarded and will also be raising this with them again in light of the release of the 2016 date.”