Cambridge Chariots of Fire race cancelled because of coronavirus outbreak

The organisers of the Chariots of Fire have announced that last year’s race raised £92,000, but the 2020 event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The trustees of Hewitsons Charitable Trust have donated the money, which was raised by more than 2,100 runners at the event in September, to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT)

The money is being used to fund a new specialist children’s ambulance service.

ACT’s director of Fundraising, Gemma Downham, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the huge sum of money raised by Chariots of Fire and the generosity of the participants and the public."

However, the next race will not be until 2021.

Race director Charles Hewitson said: "The race is very popular and people deserve credit for raising such a large amount. We're absolutely delighted that the results of this event can already been seen on the road, and we would like to offer special thanks to ACT, and all its supporters, for making last year’s race such an enjoyable occasion.”

He added: “Sadly, the world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19 and public health is everyone’s priority.

“It is with regret that in light of this situation and government guidance and communication, we have taken the decision to cancel the Chariots of Fire race 2020, but we will be back in 2021”.