BOLTON Marathon has been postponed until next year.

The run, which was to return to the town after 30 years next month, was due to take next month, and organisers had hoped it would go ahead later this year

Those signed up will automatically have their places deferred or have the option to give their place to someone else with organisers waiving transfer fees.

But race organisers are set to launch a series of unique “Doorstep Challenges” to keep entrants motivated.

Race organisers say that considerable investment has been made in the event, which is not covered by government schemes.

Race director Richard Smith said: “This decision has not been taken lightly. The impact of the coronavirus epidemic on our NHS, local authority services, local businesses, plus the continued uncertainty about when restrictions will be eased means we are unable to guarantee a safe event for later this year even if life can go back to a semblance of ‘normality’.

“When we postponed the event on March 19, we started to work towards a new date in October.

"Working to this timescale would have asked our runners to train under exceedingly difficult conditions and potentially compromise the safety of all involved on race day, as well as compromise on the quality of the event that we have promised to deliver to you.”

Richard added: “Our medical team from SportsMedics are all working incredibly hard in the NHS or volunteering with St John Ambulance, supporting NHS Nightingale Hospitals.”

Richard can be contacted directly by email at richard@boltonmarathon.com.