There will be no Round the Walls race on Boxing Day this year, organisers West Cheshire AC have confirmed.

The popular annual event, which starts and finishes at Chester Racecourse and takes runners on a course around the city's walls, pulls in hundreds of athletes from across the UK every year.

It has been a festive staple on Chester's sporting calendar for 44 years but will not take place this year due to "specific circumstances", the organisers said.

However, West Cheshire AC have promised the race will return in 2016.

A statement issued by the club read: "As a result of specific circumstances this year, West Cheshire AC regretfully announce that this year's Chester Round the Walls Boxing Day race will not take place.

"West Cheshire AC would like to make it clear that this does not affect their intention to keep organising the historic and popular event in future years. At 44 years old, the Chester Round the Walls race is one of the oldest races in the country and is regularly over-subscribed, in no small part due to its near unique geographical location and place on the calendar.

"West Cheshire AC thank all previous participants and helpers, and hope that they will remain patient and still support the event in future years."

In pictures: The 2014 Round the Walls race

Did you take part in the race? What do you make of the news? Let us know in the comments below