Police chief’s stance halts Grindavík Ultra trail race

The Grindavík Ultra trail race, scheduled for next weekend with about 100 registered participants, has been cancelled because of the police chief’s position on unclear ownership of the defensive barriers around the town, rather than civil protection concerns, mbl.is reports.

“We had worked in very good cooperation with emergency responders in the area, civil protection authorities and the police,” Siggeir Fannar Ævarsson, deputy chairman of the Grindavík Youth Association, told Morgunblaðið.

He said organisers were informed about a week before the race that the police chief’s position was that runners could not use the barriers while their ownership remained unclear.

“I simply think that is a complete excuse,” Siggeir said. Despite several meetings during the past week to seek an alternative solution, the decision was not changed.

Steinar Atli Skarphéðinsson, project manager for Grindavík Ultra, said it was unfortunate that the race had to be cancelled over a technical issue. He said it would have been one of the safest trail races in Iceland, with search and rescue personnel stationed along the entire route.

The event was conceived last year and planning began in February. It was intended to offer routes for experienced runners as well as people taking their first steps in trail running. All three routes included running on top of the defensive barriers, which organisers considered a unique feature of the race.

Organisers said they had sought permits and consulted landowners, civil protection authorities, the police and the Þorbjörn search and rescue team, which had actively participated in preparations.

“We wanted to get everything clarified,” Siggeir said. “Then we wanted a written response from the police, and this came like a wet rag in the face.”

He said people who had heard about the cancellation found it strange that the town was open, primary school and sports activities were resuming, and conditions appeared to be improving, while an event such as a trail race was suddenly called off.

The cancellation means the Grindavík Youth Association and the search and rescue team will lose a valuable fundraising opportunity for now. The association hopes to hold the race next spring and link it to the town festival Sjóarinn síkáti.

Much of the preparation has already been completed, including installing ramps around the area and measuring the routes. “Everything is essentially ready for the race once we receive permission to hold it,” Siggeir said.

“We will continue working on this and hopefully receive a more positive response from the police chief.”