The Aldi Ashby 20 race will be held as a 'virtual' event next year.

Full details have yet to be released but it is likely that entrants will run 20 miles of their own choice between the specified dates.

All participants will receive a race hoodie and will have the ability to upload their times.

A post on the Ashby 20 Facebook page on Wednesday evening said that the presence of the Coronavirus pandemic made it too unpredictable to be able to arrange such an event in its recognisable form by March.

The 2020 event was called off at the 11th hour as Covid-19 cases grew and sporting events were among the first to be called off.

And it has already been decided that it would be too great a risk to start organising it for next year.

Ashby 20 organisers posted: "We are all well aware that this year has been surreal, to say the least.

"Back in March we took the very hard decision to cancel the 2020 Aldi Ashby 20. Looking back this proved to be a very wise decision.

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"Several months on we were hoping to be able to tell you, our loyal supporters, that we are well placed to hold the 30th edition of the Aldi Ashby 20 in 2021.

"Unfortunately, this isn't the case. With cases rising rapidly recently, and local lockdowns becoming more regular and totally unpredictable we believe that it isn't practicable to organise an event of this size in its normal format.

"We do realise that this will be more disappointment for many of you, however we are sure that it doesn't come as a surprise and hope that you understand our decision.

"Knowing that so many events have already been hit by this pandemic, and others are likely to be in the future, we wanted to give you the opportunity to take part in a different version of the Aldi Ashby 20, the virtual Aldi Ashby 20.

"We do realise that this will not be everyone's cup of tea. For those who are interested it will take place over three days, starting from Friday, March 19th, through to Sunday, 21st.

"Our virtual event will give you the opportunity to train for the 20-mile distance and receive the 'famous' Aldi Ashby 20 Hoodie for your efforts.

"Recognising that many entries from 2020 have been promised priority entry for 2021, we have decided to honour this pledge for the virtual event, along with the return of the 'real' event in March 2022, all being well."

The message says that exact details of how the event will be staged have still to be finalised.

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The post continued: "We are in the progress of confirming the final plans for the virtual event. Once these have been finalised, we will publish them via social media and on our web site.

"We are aiming to finalise these details by the end of October 2020.

"We'd like to thank you in advance for your continued support."

Race director Richard Bebbington is running his own 'virtual' marathon on Sunday at Hicks Lodge dressed as the TV character Mrs Brown.

He will be raising funds for the Wishes4Kids charity.