Priority entries for the first ever Virtual Aldi Ashby 20 will be open next week.

The event will give runners the opportunity to train for the 20-mile distance and receive the 'famous' Aldi Ashby 20 Hoodie for your efforts.

It is designed to be held individually with competitors recording their own over a route chosen by them.

The Ashby 20 organisers made the decision not to organise an actual event for 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And organisers, the Ivanhoe Runners, have provided an update on the race's official WEBPAGE

They say: "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.

2020 Ashby 20 has been cancelled

"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 un-predictable 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.

2021 Ashby 20 will be a 'virtual' event.

"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.

"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, on our web site, and by emailing our priority runners. 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. In the name of running. Ivanhoe Runners."

The page also gives details of how to enter.

It adds: "We are pleased to let you know that priority entries for the first ever Virtual Aldi Ashby 20 will on Monday 16th November, 7pm.

"Details of how to enter will be emailed to all our priority runners on or before Monday 16th, please check your junk/spam email.

"All priority entries will have until Monday 30th November to book their place, general entries will open on Monday 30th, 7pm."

You can find entry details HERE.