THE 2020 Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Cofton Park has been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

The charity has withdrawn all 400 Race for Life events across the UK this year to protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue.

The cancellation also affects all the events that had been rescheduled for the late summer and autumn, including the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event set for Cofton Park in Rednal on Saturday, October 3.

Additionally, the 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events at Worcester Racecourse which had been rescheduled for the weekend of September 19-20 have been cancelled.

The 5k and 10k events at Arrow Valley Park in Redditch which were planned for Sunday, October 4 have also been abandoned.

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in the West Midlands, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital.

"We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place.

"The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.

"In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Visit raceforlife.org for more information on Race for Life at Home challenges.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home," Paula added.

"We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”