The marathon runners warned would-be saboteurs that they were not targets for their protests.
Extinction Rebellion says their event this weekend in London, known as “The Big One”, could cause “logistical disruptions” at Sunday’s London Marathon.
However, London Marathon director Hugh Brasher said he met with XR on Wednesday and they agreed to help manage the marathon in a unique and extraordinary turn of events.
“The environment is part of our DNA,” Brasher says.
“And Extinction Rebellion has made it very, very clear that they are in a new phase where they want to reach the general public in other ways.”
Brasher also said he would contact Just Stop Oil, the group that disrupted the World Snooker Championship this week and attempted to protest last year’s race.
Fossil fuel protesters said Daily Telegraph this week “many Just Stop Oil supporters will be in attendance at the London Marathon” and fear that further action will be taken to raise awareness of the case.
“With an event of this magnitude, it would make sense for this to happen,” said Joe Travetti, 34, the bathhouse manager, who is leading the race for the first time.
“If it derailed the London Marathon, I would say it was inappropriate for the people they are trying to hear.
“I sympathize with everyone who feels strong enough to protest. Not so much to destroy people’s lives, but I think that everyone has the right to protest, the right to freedom of speech and the like. I don’t know if this is the right way.”
Travetti says he is more concerned that the number of participants in the wider protests could block London’s transport network, which could also be a target for environmental groups.
“You are disturbing people who have put a lot of time and effort into raising money for charities, which is not the right group of people,” he added.
“I think it would be inappropriate, but would it upset me? Not much, but more so because going home will probably slow me down more than anything else.
Like Joe, many of the 40,000 runners will travel outside of London. Penny Scott-Andrews is Brighton’s press secretary.
“I also ran a marathon in October and was on strike for the rails, but I was so upset that they actually made the day I worked so hard incredibly stressful, like they did so much running,” she says.
“It’s unfair when so much good is done in a marathon.
“But I also sympathize with her cause. It is the same [this time around]. I am for protest. I’m vegan because I feel like I can make a small difference in the terrible problems of climate change, but I would be absolutely devastated if the London Marathon failed because of it.
Just Stop Oil claims that most of the runners in the race support their cause, such as Ross Hamilton, a South London editor originally from Cheshire, who aimed for a time under three hours.
“I would be very upset if he was disturbed,” he says. I.
“However, I am fundamentally in favor of subversive protests – these are pressing issues that need to be addressed.
“Half the city flooded due to climate change will also hinder the marathon a bit.”
Many of the 40,000 runners nominated charities are genuinely concerned about the state of the environment and the notion that an event that raises tens of millions of pounds for charity could be jeopardized by those generally associated with the beneficiaries worries many runners.
“I agree with the main goal of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. We all understand that we need to get into the use of renewable energy and do everything in our power to protect the planet and the environment for future generations,” says Tom Borrett, who ran two marathons in three weeks in 2017. one this time.
“However, I will be in big trouble with anyone who tries to crash the London Marathon.
“As someone who has worked in grassroots events and fundraising, and now works with incredible charities on a daily basis, this is especially close to my heart.
“How would I feel if personal protests prevented me from completing Sunday’s race? I would be very disappointed. I have run over 400 km since January; Morning, night, rain, sun, against the wind, whatever the weather… And I’m running in memory of my grandmother and great aunt who passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.”
Sports protests – recent history
Leighton Ryan Parson
Disruptions to sporting events are expected to increase in the coming weeks following the Just Stop Oil protest at the World Snooker Championship.
During a game between Robert Milkins and Joe Perry, a man climbed onto a table and covered it with a wad of orange paint.
Another protester tried to stop the game between Mark Allen and Fan Zhengyi, but was unsuccessful.
Here’s a look at the sports protests of recent years.
Grand National 2023
118 people have been arrested after animal rights activists delayed the start of the Grand National in Aintree on April 15.
The Animal Rising movement, which aims to raise public awareness of how to tackle animal, environmental and climate issues, led the protest over the weekend.
However, Sandy Thomson, the trainer of the horse that died after a fatal fall on the first barrier, blamed “ignorant” protesters for the animal’s death.
The campaign group also called for a ban on show jumping after two more horses died during the festival, saying authorities should take action to prevent “brutal atrocities” from happening again.
Everton vs Newcastle 2022
Climate activist Louis McKechney ran onto the field and tied his neck to the goal post with a zip tie.
The 21-year-old was found guilty by the South Sefton Magistrates’ Court on felony charges in connection with the Goodison Park incident on March 17, 2022, and was sentenced to six weeks in prison.
He explained to the court that the game he wanted was chosen because Everton were playing against Newcastle, sponsored by oil company Saudi Aramco.
A Just Stop Oil protester was also fined £50 or one day in jail for taking the field, suspended for three years and ordered to pay £500 in legal fees.
British Grand Prix 2022
Six people have been arrested in connection with a burglary during the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone in July 2022.
As the racers passed, the protesters entered the track and revealed their orange Just Stop Oil T-shirts as they sat down before being dragged off the track by the marshals.
David Baldwin, 46, from Stonesfield, Whitney, Emily Brocklebank, 24, from Edon, Leeds, Alasdair Gibson, 21, no permanent address, Louis McKechnie, 21, from London, Bethany Maugy, 40, from Albans, Hertfordshire, and 28-year-old Joshua Smith from Manchester were found guilty of conspiracy to cause harm to the community.
Source: I News
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.