Covid has impacted another important event for Southland’s economy.
Invercargill's Surf to City organisers are having discussions about an alternative way to host this year’s event.
However, it would not go ahead as planned on March 13, Active Southland communications and marketing manager Nathan Burdon confirmed yesterday.
Mr Burdon said they would not be able to host the event in its usual format as the region was at Red alert under New Zealand's traffic light settings.
The Surf to City usually attracts about 3000 walkers, runners and cyclists every year.
"We obliviously can't run the event as it is and we are still looking to all options available. We haven’t ruled anything out yet," he said.
Organisers would have a meeting this week about the possibility of postponing, transforming into a virtual event or cancelling it.
A decision was expected later this week, he said.
The ICC Surf to City is a family run, walk or cycle event which starts at Oreti Beach and finishes at Queens Park. Entrants can bike, walk or run 12km, 6km or 3km.
Possible changes to this traditional event have added another layer of pressure for the region as its premium events, such as the Burt Munro Challenge, Southern Field Day and Bluff Oyster and Food Festival have already been cancelled.
Mr Burdon hope the organisation could find a plan B for the event, while keeping the community safe.
