A POPULAR run has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The half marathon and fun run as part of the Cumbrian Run, which were scheduled to take place on Sunday October 3, have been cancelled as the Covid-19 situation continues. Race director for the Cumbrian Run, Niall Sanderson, said: “The Great Cumbrian Run has been a huge part of the Cumbrian calendar now for 38 years, and it’s hugely disappointing to not be able to present the race in 2020, but the safety of our participants, communities and race team remain our number one priority. “We would like to thank all runners, spectators and partners for their continued support at this time” he said. He encouraged the public to continue supporting the charities that would have received sponsorship funds from the run. “Lots of Great Cumbrian Runners take on the challenge for charity, and these charities need your support more than ever at this time. “We would ask those who were due to take part in the event to try to continue to support their chosen charity where possible.” The Great Cumbrian Run’s official partners are CFM Radio’s Cash For Kids, Eden Valley Hospice and the Lake District Calvert Trust. Marc Brown, of Whitehaven, has taken part in the run five times, crossing the line first in the last four. Although the cancellation due to the coronavirus did not come as a surprise, he said that it was disappointing news for those who raised money for charity. He said: “The community really seems to be a big part of the event. “It’s a nice one to include in training, I’m usually looking for a fast 10k around that time.” However, he believes that safety is the highest priority: “It’s all for the right reasons.” Marc praised the race organisers for their handling of the Great Cumbrian Run in recent years. The Great Cumbrian Run is managed by Better, a charitable social enterprise operating in the UK leisure industry. Tom Rice, partnership manager for GLL said: “We have been working hard over the past few months to try and find a way for The Great Cumbrian Run to go ahead in 2020, while adhering to the Government guidance and keeping our participants and team safe.” “Even as the normality begins to resume, the tough decision has been made to cancel the 2020 race, and instead look ahead to a fantastic event in 2021.” Next year’s Great Cumbrian Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 3 and entries are now open by visiting cumbrianrun.co.uk