Hundreds of runners are "devastated" after organisers of the English Half Marathon decided to axe the event with only days to go.
The marathon, which was set to return to Warrington this weekend, has been postponed until later in the year for safety reasons.
In a post published on Facebook and on their website, organisers of the marathon apologised for the decision, which came after they were "not able to guarantee all the necessary components to deliver a safe and fun race weekend experience."
Following the news the Facebook post was inundated with comments from people, many whom had been preparing for months for the event and had made travel plans.
One runner, Steph Hampson, said: "I'm devastated. All the weeks of training feel like a waste.
"I'm sure it wasn't a decision taken lightly, but you can't help but feel fuming and gutted.
"I hope it's rearranged for sometime real soon so the training wasn't a waste of time."
While Lauren Wray, said: "I think this is absolutely disgraceful! Having done this run for the past three years I’d expect better communication.
"The race is meant to be six days away and myself and my friends have booked non refundable hotel accommodation and we all work for the NHS so getting time off together is easier said than done.
"I'm very, very upset and disappointed by this EHM!"
Paul Shannon was another marathon runner who was left disappointed by the last minute decision.
He said: "It's imperative that you be open and transparent around the cause of this.
"Many have planned, trained, raised charitable funds, arranged childcare and booked travel and accommodation.
"Such a late postponement raises questions around the adequacy of the event planning. There should be no single point of failure in such an event".
The full post from the event organisers reads: "This message is to inform you that due to us not being able to guarantee all the necessary components to deliver a safe and fun race weekend experience, we are having to postpone this weekend’s races and associated activities to a weekend later in the year.
"For those who have participated in our event in previous years know, we take our obligations very seriously and demand the very best for our runners, volunteers, local partners and our Warrington community.
"This decision is a difficult one for us to take, as we know that you have dedicated yourself to your training and possibly fundraising over a number of months and to hear this message at the beginning of race week will be a blow to many.
"We have to pass on a great deal of thanks and appreciation to our local partners in supporting us over the last couple of weeks and we will be working with them to secure a workable date very soon.
"At this time, we do anticipate that you will have questions and expect updates ASAP. Over the coming days, we will be working to advise you of all the options available to you.
"Please expect a follow up communication by 5pm on Thursday 12th September.
"We truly apologise for this postponement and we hope that we can work together to deliver a safe and fun race weekend in Warrington."
The ECHO has approached the organisation for comment.
