The business organising the Gloucester City Marathon has issued a statement explaining its decision to cancel this year's event.

Runners who have already entered the race (entries to which start from £30 according to the race's website) will not only not be able to compete this year but will not be getting a refund.

At the heart of the decision by organisers, Gloucestershire business TriMax, are legal issues surrounding the proposed route.

But all is not lost. TriMax also had some good news to deliver for this prepared to be patient - and even to try test themselves in a bonus event due to take place the same day as the cancelled race.

The statement in full: "This is probably the most difficult email I will ever have to send as race director and while I know it will cause a lot of distress and negative feedback I know it is the right thing to do for the future and growth of Gloucester City Marathon

"The Gloucester City Council refused our application based on the old route in February because of our requested demand for closures of the A38 for safe crossing of runners.

"This gave us a limited time to come up with a new route, have it officially measured and submit all the necessary applications for road closures, bridge closures and police support etc.

"However, despite submitting the necessary applications we have been informed that a change in legal policy at the council means that our application to close certain roads for the race in August will not be processed in time.

Due to the postponement of the GCM, we are proud to host a replacement event, all 2018 runners receive a place along with a defer to 2019.
The Forest Race Event full marathon is measured, certified and chip timed and thus can be used as a Good For Age!https://t.co/kNGOxa2DpS

— Gloucester City Mara (@GlosCityMara) May 29, 2018

"Given the recent social media frenzy over the safety of the route we have taken the decision to cancel this year's race.

"The good news is that the head of highways for the council has offered his full support to work with us to ensure that the race goes ahead in 2019 and also that the start should be moved back to the City Centre which has been a cause of much disgruntlement lately.

"We will also be working closely with the UKA to ensure it is once again a fully certified and qualifying race

"What does this mean for you? Well, we have been working very hard since we received the news from GCC yesterday to work out a rescue plan for the runners and our charity partners.

"1. We will automatically transfer every runner into next year's race which will take place on Sunday 4th August from Gloucester City Centre. This event has the full backing off the GCC and from our local UKA adjudicator.

"2. We have organised a Full and Half Distance event on a fairly flat off-road course nearby in The Forest of Dean which will take place on the same day as this years cancelled race. Entry to this race is FREE for everybody who has entered this year's GCM or Half. This race will be fully aid supported and hopefully means the hard training you have put in for the race will not go to waste.

"Whilst this is not ideal we do feel that it is in the best interest of you the runners and the future of this race. Hopefully we will see you all at the replacement event this August and again taking up your automatic entry to next year's GCM."