The organisers of the Run Loch Lomond races have announced that the 2020 event has been cancelled.

The event was originally due to take place in June, but the coronavirus pandemic led the West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, which puts the races together, to announce a three-month postponement, with a new date pencilled in for September.

Now, however, the Trust says it has been left with “no option” but to pull the plug on the rescheduled date too.

Previously known as the Vale of Leven 10k, the event now incorporates a 5k race and a fun run alongside the flagship distance – and the Trust was hoping to welcome thousands of runners and spectators to the area.

But continuing uncertainty over when lockdown limits might be eased enough to allow mass gatherings such as 10k races to happen has persuaded them to axe the races on their rescheduled September 5 date as well – and instead to start planning for a triumphant return in 2021.

In a statement posted on the event’s Facebook page, the organisers said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that this year’s Run Loch Lomond event is cancelled.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision, but unfortunately as current government guidance does not give an indicative date of when mass participation events like ours will be permitted, we feel we have no other option.

“Even if the guidance changes within the coming weeks, it is unlikely that it would leave us adequate time or resources to deliver the event on the re-scheduled date of September 5.

“We know this will be disappointing for all of the runners looking forward to taking part in the 10k, 5k or fun run and we are extremely grateful for your continued support and understanding in what has been a challenging time.

“We will be issuing refunds to all participants including those who previously chose to defer to 2021 as soon as we possibly can.

“To provide a rough timescale, we hope that all entrants will be refunded by the end of July.

“Thanks once again for your continued support and patience.

“Stay healthy, happy and positive - and we hope to see you running with us in 2021.”

The team behind Run Loch Lomond are now working hard towards next year’s 10k, 5k, and fun run to ensure the event is more rewarding for all participants.