THIS year's Chevin Chase has become the latest victim of the coronavirus.

The organisers of the annual Boxing Day run say they have taken the decision to cancel the 2020 edition due to 'ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronovirus pandemic restrictions'.

The event, which attracts more than 1,000 competitors, has been a festive fixture for over 40 years and raises large amounts for local charities - with the 2019 Chevin Chase producing £500 apiece for Guiseley in Bloom, Guiseley Theatre, AVSED and Hug on a Tray.

The runners follow a multi-terrain, seven mile course from Guiseley that takes in Otley Chevin. The race regularly attracts top class competitors and Olympic medal winners Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, along with several other locally-based international triathletes, are among those who have taken part.

A spokesperson for Airecentre Pacers Running Club, who organise the run, said: "After a careful risk assessment the club committee have decided that it would not be responsible to stage the race whilst requirements for social distancing remain in place.

"This is especially difficult as the race starts and ends in central Guiseley, amongst residential property, and the large numbers of visitors could potentially put local residents at higher risk.

"At this stage it is impossible to predict what restrictions will continue to be in place in December due to the pandemic.

"Airecentre Pacers would like to thank local residents and runners for the huge amount of support they have given to the race over the years and it is expected that the race will take place as normal on Boxing Day, 2021."

Nearly 1,150 runners took part last year with, in time-honoured tradition, many of them dressed in festive themed fancy dress costumes or Christmas jumpers.