THIS year's Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon hs been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, organisers have announced. 

The flagship is event, founded by Olympian Steve Cram, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, was due to to take place on October 3 and 4, for the eleventh time. 

But organisers Evets of the North has said that due to ongoing uncertainty over hosting mass participation races in the current climate, they had decided that the 2020 Kielder Marathon, half harathon, 10K, run-bike-run, and junior runs, could not go ahead. 

Events of the North runs the marathon weekend in conjunction with hosts Northumbrian Water, and partners which include Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Active Northumberland.

Steve Cram, event founder and race director, said: "It's absolutely heart-breaking to have to make this decision. All of the partners have been in regular discussions about the feasibility of an event this year, but we have come to the inevitable conclusion that it simply won't be possible to go ahead in the current climate.

“We appreciate how much hard work people have already put into their training, and know that some have already made travel plans. We can only apologise and hope that everyone understands why we have had to take this decision. Everyone at Events of the North is ready and eager to deliver safe events for all, but sadly we must now wait until 2021 to meet up at beautiful Kielder again."

Organisers said that all those who had booked places for a race at this year’s weekend had been contacted with the news, and their entries will automatically be deferred to 2021 unless they indicate otherwise. For the latest news about the Kielder Marathon events, visit www.kieldermarathon.com, find the event on Facebook, or follow @kieldermarathon on Twitter and Instagram.