THIS year's Chevin Chase race has been cancelled due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

The Chevin Chase, organised by the Airecentre Pacers running club, has been a Boxing Day fixture for over 40 years and attracts a top class field of competitors, including Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, together with several locally-based international triathletes.

The race also raises large amounts of money for local charities. The 2019 race gave £500 each to Guiseley in Bloom, Guiseley Theatre, AVSED and Hug on a Tray.

The Chevin Chase attracts over 1,000 competitors and after a careful risk assessment the club committee have decided that it would not be responsible to stage the race while requirements for social distancing remain in place.

A club spokesman said: "This is especially difficult as the race starts and ends in central Guiseley amongst residential property and the large numbers of visitors could potentially put local residents at higher risk.

"At this stage it is impossible to predict what restrictions will continue to be in place in December due to the pandemic.

"Airecentre Pacers would like to thank local residents and runners for the huge amount of support they have given to the race over the years and it is expected that the race will take place as normal on Boxing Day 2021."