Police defend marathon date shift

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The police in Londonderry have defended the postponement of one of the city's biggest sporting events.

The Waterside half marathon was due to have taken place on Saturday but has now been rescheduled for 14 October.

It was cancelled after organisers and police failed to reach agreement over the route. The news has angered many athletes who had trained for the event.

However, Chief Superintendent Richard Russell said his main concern was the safety of runners and motorists.

"Foyle is now facing an issue that other parts of the country have been facing - the question of road racing is problematic.

"Whilst I may be seen as a kill joy, I'm quite happy whenever we can wake up on Sunday morning and no runner will have been knocked down and killed or injured or some motorist go off the road trying to avoid a runner.

"That's the bottom line here."

'Terribly embarrassing'

Hundreds of runners were due to have taken part in the event.

Derry City Council's deputy town clerk John Meehan said the half marathon may now have to be relocated.

Some athletes said other commitments mean they will not be able to attend the 14 October marathon.

Owen Fury, one of the city's leading athletes, is angry at the delay.

"I think it's a disgrace," he said, "not just for the club but for the whole city.

"It's like our showpiece and it's disappeared on us. It's terribly embarrassing. People just won't come back."