A POPULAR Rhyl event which attracts thousands of fundraisers has been cancelled.

Cancer Research UK have taken the difficult decision to withdraw all 400 Race for Life events across the UK this year to protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by the virus pandemic continue.

This includes the Race for Life 5K at Rhyl Event Arena on the promenade which had been postponed until Sunday, September 27.

Participants who have already signed up to a 2020 Race for Life event do not need to get in touch. They will be contacted by the charity and can request a refund or donate their entry fee.

Cassandra Miles, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Wales, 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."

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.

Undeterred women and men across Wales are being asked to complete a Race for Life at Home challenge. This can be in a garden or their nearest green space. People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own special challenge. Photos and videos can be shared on social media using the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, features a series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year for the charity.

The Rhyl event had originally been scheduled to take place in the summer but was rescheduled for September several weeks ago. The decision to cancel it altogether is a 'major blow' to the charity.

Money raised through Race for Life helps to make long-term research and pioneering trials possible, leading to new tests and kinder treatments that help save the lives of more men, women and children across Wales.

Cass added“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021."