THIS weekend's English Half Marathon has been postponed – less than a week before the race was due to take place.

But organisers say they hope to find another date later in the year and say there will be an announcement soon.

Thousands of runners were due to take place in either a half marathon or 10k on Sunday, finishing through the Golden Gates in front of the Town Hall.

Warrington Guardian:

This was to be the 11th staging of the race with runs taking place throughout the weekend, including a 5k night race in Victoria Park on Friday and a mile after the main races on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "This message is to inform you that due to us not being able to guarantee all the necessary components to deliver a safe and fun race weekend experience, we are having to postpone this weekend’s races and associated activities to a weekend later in the year.

"For those who have participated in our event in previous years know, we take our obligations very seriously and demand the very best for our runners, volunteers, local partners and our Warrington community.

"This decision is a difficult one for us to take, as we know that you have dedicated yourself to your training and possibly fundraising over a number of months and to hear this message at the beginning of race week will be a blow to many.

"We have to pass on a great deal of thanks and appreciation to our local partners in supporting us over the last couple of weeks and we will be working with them to secure a workable date very soon.

"At this time, we do anticipate that you will have questions and expect updates ASAP. Over the coming days, we will be working to advise you of all the options available to you.

"Please expect a follow up communication by 5pm on Thursday 12th September.

"We truly apologise for this postponement and we hope that we can work together to deliver a safe and fun race weekend in Warrington."

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The route included roads throughout south Warrington as well as a town centre loop which included The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Bridge Street and the Cultural Quarter.

Warrington Guardian:

It is one of the biggest events in Warrington's calendar.

Last year more than 7,000 runners took part in one of the races with an estimated 16,000 people heading into the town centre on race day.