RACE organisers have taken the decision to postpone this year's Green Park Challenge due to safety concerns.

The 3km fun run for children aged four and over was due to take place before the main event, the 35th Reading Half Marathon, tomorrow morning.

A new alternative date is currently being arranged, with no news yet on how this will affect the go-ahead for the half marathon.

Judith Manson, the race director, said: "After consultation with the statutory services and medical advisors it has been agreed that the Green Park Challenge will not go ahead on Sunday for the safety of the children.

"These decisions are not taken lightly; the health and safety of our runners is paramount.

"We want the Green Park Challenge to be a hugely enjoyable event for all involved so we are working with Green Park and our local authority partners to identify an alternative date.

"We understand this is disappointing news for our young runners and their families but we hope to have your full support, with runners’ safety and happiness at the core of everything we do.

"We thank you in advance for your patience and we will announce an alternative date for the 2018 Green Park Challenge through our official channels in the very near future.

"With regards to the Reading Half Marathon, we are in regular discussions with our safety and medical advisors.

"We are sorry that we are unable to give a final confirmation but at this stage we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of the runners, workforce, volunteers and spectators.

"We will continue to issue regular updates through our official channels."