An epic marathon through the coastline of the Maldon district has been postponed to 2022.

Organisers of the Saltmarsh Ultra marathon, which was due to take place on 2 October, said that they had been forced to cancel the event as the team is facing a "range of challenges" which would make setting it up "very difficult".

In a statement on Facebook, they said: "We appreciate that this is disappointing to hear, but unfortunately the team is under immense pressure and we do not have the resources or time to do the event justice this year.

"The team is issuing refunds to all competitors in the coming weeks, so please bear with us for now."

They added: "We will bring further updates in due course once we have more details to share with you."

The two-day marathon requires participants to run or walk Maldon district's 75-mile coastline.

Beginning at South Woodham Ferrers, competitors follow the banks of the River Crouch until it meets the North Sea, before turning north through the Dengie marshes to Bradwell-on-Sea at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary.

After stopping overnight in Steeple, participants take on the remaining 36 miles of the marathon around the Blackwater Estuary and through Maldon, Goldhanger and Tollesbury.

The final challenge is a 6-mile loop around the RSPB's Old Hall nature reserve before finishing in the hamlet of Salcott-cum-Virley.

The marathon was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

If you have any questions or issues regarding this year's cancellation, you are encouraged to email the team directly at [email protected].