ORGANISERS of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Oxford have announced the event is cancelled for 2020.

The charity has said all 400 of its popular fundraisers across the UK this year have been called off 'to protect the country’s health' as restrictions on mass gatherings continue.

This includes the Race for Life 5K and 10K due to take place at University Parks next month and Pretty Muddy at South Park in September.

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

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.

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Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Oxford, 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."

She added: “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 can visit raceforlife.org to sign up free and 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