A HALF marathon which had proved a growing attraction to running clubs across the north of England has been cancelled.

Darwen Dashers' Rollercoaster half marathon was due to be held on September 29.

But police have restricted the number of competitors to just over 300, making the race financially unviable.

The course takes runners in a 13-mile round trip over the Roman Road and through Entwistle and Edgworth and back into Darwen.

Brian Wood, of Darwen Dashers explained: "We have held this race without any problems for the past five years and it has become a major event in the running calendar, but the police don't like the fact that the course takes in Green Arms Road at Edgworth."

Mr Wood said 300 entrants would not generate enough cash to stage the race.

He added: "This is the major fund-raising event we hold in the year and the club stands to lose out on funds because of this."

Acting Sergeant Phil Davies of traffic management with Blackburn police said: "We have had problems with this race in recent years.

"It is becoming quite a large scale race and we have serious reservations about the safety of the runners."

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