REDDITCH's Race for Life run has been called off as lockdown restrictions continue to prevent mass gatherings.

The event, which had already been postponed to Sunday October 4, is among 400 UK Race for Life fun runs that have cancelled for 2020.

The run had been due to take place at Arrow Valley Country Park, Battens Drive, over distances of five and ten kilometres.

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.”

People across Redditch are being encouraged to complete a Race for Life at Home challenge in their garden or their nearest green space.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own event.

Organisers are also inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.