Coronavirus forces cancellation of Fife's iconic Black Rock 5 race

The iconic Black Rock 5, which takes place in Kinghorn and attracts over 1000 runners each year, had been due to take place on Friday, June 5.

Race director John McKay confirmed: "It is with a heavy heart that we've decided this year's Black Rock 5 race will not be going ahead.

"With the current public health crisis, it's the responsible and sensible thing to do to protect our runners and our army of volunteers who make it such a fantastic event, and to avoid putting additional strain on the local police.

"We hope you can understand why we've taken this decision and we look forward to seeing you again in 2021.

"Stay safe. Stay well. And keep on running (alone!)."

The inaugural Black Rock 5 was held in 1987 and the race has been staged every year since - apart from 1991.

The race, which takes runners out from the coastal village onto Pettycur Sands, around the rocks and back, has sold out each year since 2011.

Mr McKay added: "We're not postponing the event to later in the year.

"We're a non-profit making race, and don't wish to impinge on those who already have races planned in for later in the season, or indeed any other races rescheduling to later in 2020.

"You might be aware that a proportion of the race's entry money is donated to local community groups in Kinghorn, and we're pleased to say that we have a contingency fund in place so that we can continue to support those groups this year."