ORGANISERS of a popular annual race across the Forth Road Bridge have been forced to cancel the event due to essential maintenance works.

But, rather than have runners miss out completely, Pitreavie Amateur Athletics Club have devised an innovative virtual competition that will still allow athletes to take on the route this year.

The Forth Road Bridge 10K, which normally takes place in August, is one of the most eagerly-anticipated events on the West Fife athletics calendar, with places usually selling out within minutes of entries opening.

Despite the club's best efforts, a suitable date could not be found to run the race safely around the works necessary to maintain the bridge, but they have instead put together an alternative for those runners looking to take part.

The virtual race will allow runners to continue their Forth Bridge 10K streak by completing the route at a time that suits them before June 30, after which results will be collated and medals posted out.

Race director Nicola Moriarty explained: "The virtual race is very exciting and we are expecting it to be very popular.

"It allows anyone aged over 16 to run over the bridge before June 30 at a time and day when it suits them. All they need to do is show us a photo of themselves on the bridge and a running watch showing the 10K distance and time, a screenshot or link to a running app such as Strava or Nike Run to claim their medal.

"After July 1, medals will be posted out, the results will be collated and there will be prizes for the overall winners, age category leaders and randomly-selected prizes – so everyone has a chance to win."

Campbell Blair, Pitreavie AAC's vice-president, said: "The Forth Road Bridge 10K is one of the most popular events in the Scottish race calendar and sells out in minutes online.

"We have made the disappointing decision, with the bridge authority, that it would not be safe to run the race this year due to necessary maintenance works. The bridge authority has been very supportive over the years and despite our best efforts, we were unable to come up with a viable alternative.

"Unfortunately, the income we make from this race each year is crucial to supporting our youth athletes in the wide range of athletics coaching we offer.

"Therefore, as a replacement event, we are running a virtual Forth Road Bridge 10K which will allow people to run at a time which will suit them. Although this won't replace the income lost, it will help offset the losses and raise some much-needed funds for the club."

A spokesman for Amey, which manages and maintains the bridge, added: "Unfortunately, due to essential bridge maintenance work – and after discussion with Pitreavie Amateur Athletics Club – we have been unable to find a suitable date to host this year's traditional 10K event.

"However, we are encouraging our workforce and customers to support the virtual 10K race; which will still allow the club to raise funds for its activities.

"We will continue to work with the Pitreavie AAC on future events, and we wish them every success with this innovative fundraising campaign."

Entry to the virtual race costs £8 and all proceeds will go towards the club's coaching classes for youngsters from eight-years-old in a wide range of athletics disciplines.

More than half of the places are already sold, and entry is available at https://www.entrycentral.com/frbvirtual10k.