THE Hereford Marathon has been abandoned after 20 years following the retirement of its founder, Sandra Griffiths.

Sandra, who lives in the city, bowed out last summer due to ill health, having organised the event with her committee for two decades.

Runners from all over the world flocked to the county to test their endurance skills in the event that raised about £45,000 for St Michael's Hospice, of which Sandra is one of the founder members.

She said: "Unfortunately, nobody was willing to take it on and, after 20 years, it's a bit disappointing."

However, the half-marathon and the family fun run will still take place in aid of the hospice, on May 19, thanks to Hereford Couriers' Marjorie Pearce, her husband, Michael, and Mavis Apperley.

Marjorie said: "There were mixed feelings about the full marathon. It's a shame that it won't be happening this time because we had a lot of competitors last year. But we thought that it would be too much for us to organise all three events."

She added: "Still, we are looking forward to the big day and, for once, it will have a sponsor - Mercedes Benz and Suzuki of Hereford."