Catterick parkrun has been cancelled after permission was withdrawn to use the racecourse, organisers have announced.
A new venue is now being sought for the popular event which has been taking place every Saturday for the last three years.
The event’s volunteer organisers announced the cancellation in a statement last night.
They said: “It is with great sadness that we must announce parkrun will not be returning at Catterick Racecourse.
“We have been in regular communication with the racecourse but unfortunately after careful consideration they have decided that they can no longer accommodate us.
“A number of factors were taken into account including public liability risks, the fact that a member of staff lives on the site and the potential weekly disturbance to the fishing club.
“In addition, the board reviewed its existing plans for a redevelopment of the internal area.
“All of which ultimately meant they felt that they could no longer allow parkrun to take place on their land.”
Event organisers said they had hoped the issues could be resolved, but this did not happen.
Tbey added: “We would ask you all to respect the wishes of the racecourse management who were generous enough in the first place to give us three glorious years of Catterick parkrun.
“I’m sure we are biased but we truly believe Catterick was one of the best in the area, if not the country. Catterick parkrun was about so much more than a 5km run/walk/jog.
“Our parkrun helped so many people in so many ways. People struggling back to health, people trying hard to improve their fitness, people in need of some mental wellness, people looking for friends and a community.
“rilliant bonds too have been made between the local community and the Gurkhas. And beyond the weekly event many people have been helped by your generous donations for the food bank.”
Volunteers said they would love to relaunch the event at a new location.
“If anyone has any good ideas about other local venues in the Catterick/Richmond area we are all ears!
“We wish everyone the very best and really hope you’ll be able to enjoy some other local park runs. “
They should run it on Richmond racecourse. Rocky terrain and stunning views