Marathon cancelled and parks closed as storm hits

A half marathon has been postponed and parks closed across the East Midlands as Storm Boelo brings floods, travel disruption, and power cuts to parts of the UK.

Worksop Half Marathon, which takes runners through Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, was called off after the park closed due to forecasted high winds on Sunday.

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place until 21:00 GMT on Sunday for parts of north Nottinghamshire and north Derbyshire.

The Met Office said widespread gusts of 60mph to 70mph were forecast within the warning area in other parts of the UK, while gusts of over 50mph were likely in the East Midlands.

The organisers of the marathon posted on social media that "due to circumstances out of our control" they had no choice but to postpone this year's race.

"Due to predicted winds in excess of 50mph, Clumber Park have had to make the decision to close the park to ensure the safety of the public.

"As a result of this, plans are already in place to move the race to a provisional date of 24 January 2027."

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park in Nottingham also closed due to high winds, but expected to reopen "later than usual on Monday" to allow for safety checks, the park said.

Other parks in Nottinghamshire also posted online that they had closed on Sunday.

Visit Sherwood Forest said its visitor centre and play park was closed, adding: "Woodlands can be dangerous in high winds. We do not recommend entering the forest under the current conditions."

An artisan market that was due to be held at Rufford Abbey was cancelled, but the country park remained open.

Newstead Abbey Park and gardens closed and were expected to open later than usual on Monday, a spokesperson said.

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park said it had closed for the safety of guests and staff.

In Derbyshire, the Hardwick Hall estate was closed, and its opening on Monday also expected to be delayed, the National Trust said, whilst Calke Abbey in Derby was also shut.

Matlock Golf Club was closed due to winds, with the course to "review conditions throughout the day", it said.

The Outwoods in Charnwood in Leicestershire was to remain closed until Monday due to high winds, Charnwood Borough Council said.

Twinlakes Theme Park also announced it would close.

Storm Boelo follows Storm Austen, which was the first named storm of the season.

The strongest winds so far on Sunday have generally been across the north-west of the UK, chiefly Scotland, where gusts of over 80mph have been recorded, BBC Weather say.

An amber weather warning for wind is in force for Cumbria, Northumberland and parts of Scotland until Sunday evening.

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