THE 2020 Essity Prudhoe Miners Race is the latest sporting event to fall victim to the coronavirus.

Event organisers confirmed the popular race would not take place this year in a statement on Prudhoe Town Council's website.

It read: "Following consultation with our race organiser, Prudhoe Plodders, and main sponsor Essity, Prudhoe Town Council can now confirm the cancellation of the 2020 Essity Prudhoe Miners Race.

"Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on the running calendar, as more and more races are cancelled, due to uncertainty over when it will be safe to resume outdoor events and large gatherings.

"With the safety of the running fraternity and our community in mind, Prudhoe Plodders are keen to focus their efforts on the 2021 event. Although this is the right decision, it does come with much disappointment for all concerned.

"Everyone was extremely excited to see what Prudhoe Plodders would achieve in their second year as race organisers, after such a successful opening event in 2019. With longer to plan and a great ‘run-up’ it is bound to be a strident success."

The Prudhoe Miners’ race was started by members of the town’s working men’s clubs, but died out after the second world war.

The race was then revived in 2012, with the support of Prudhoe Town Council and Essity.