A MAJOR running event has been postponed following the government's announcement on the delay in ending coronavirus restrictions.

This year's Brighton Half Marathon, originally due to take place at the end of this month, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 10.

The race, organised by the Sussex Beacon charity, had been planned against the government's roadmap timetable for moving from Step 3 to Step 4 on June 21.

But the delay to the ending of Covid-19 restrictions, now scheduled for July 19 - pending a review - means the Half Marathon cannot take place as planned, due its size and the crowds it attracts.

A spokesman for the event said: "We are very sorry to announce that this year’s Brighton Half Marathon scheduled for the end of June is postponed to the autumn.

The Argus: The Brighton Half Marathon in 2019. Photo: Alan HutchingsThe Brighton Half Marathon in 2019. Photo: Alan Hutchings

"An event the size of our race takes months of planning and our June date was selected back in the autumn of 2020 to allow sufficient time for this planning to take place.

"The size and open access nature of our event plus the number of crowds we attract does not fit the criteria to allow us to proceed.

"Our priority is always to ensure that runners, volunteers, staff and the wider community in the city are safe at the race.

"We understand just how disappointed you will be at the postponement so close to the race – all of us working on the event share this disappointment and we thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times."

Organisers say race places will automatically be moved to the new date, and anyone running does not need to contact them if they are happy to take part in the autumn.

For anyone who can not do the new dare, there is the option to transfer a race place to a friend or family member, or to move it to the 2022 event in February.

Runners can also choose to donate their race fee to the Sussex Beacon, the charity behind the event, or to run a virtual half marathon in September or October to receive a race medal.

For more information, visit www.brightonhalfmarathon.com.