Only one marathon will be held in Canberra this autumn after ACT Chief Minister announced today that a proposed 'Classic Marathon' would not be allowed to proceed.
Cundy Sports Marketing had lodged an application for road closures for the event as a substitute for the Canberra Marathon, which ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has ruled cannot be held while CSM is in legal dispute with the ACT Cross Country Club over race management rights.
The proposed Classic Marathon race was to be held on the weekend of April 17-18, a week after the Canberra Marathon scheduled date.
Mr Stanhope said the only race for which road closures would be approved was the cross country club's National Capital Marathon on the weekend of May 1-2.
"I have been advised by the Director of Roads ACT, Mr Tony Gill, that having reviewed the application he has formed the opinion that the Classic Marathon is essentially the same event as the Canberra Marathon. The only difference is the date on which it would run,'' Mr Stanhope said.
CSM and the ATCC are on course for a Federal Court hearing, most likely some time in 2011, which also places next year's Canberra Marathon in jeopardy.
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