The Covid-19 crisis has claimed another sporting spectacle with cancellation of the 43rd annual Ras Beca in the Preseli Hills.

It was intended to hold the race, run over a gruelling five-mile course, on Saturday, August 24, and also Ras Mochyn Du, a one-mile race for children.

First held in 1977, Ras Beca commemorates the 19th century Rebecca Riots when farmworkers disguised as women smashed tollgates throughout the country.

The course record of 32 minutes and five seconds was set in 1995 by former St Dogmaels world triathlete Aled Rees and the record has never been threatened.

One of the organisers said: “We have consulted the Fell Runners Association and with the situation as it is and the distancing rule we couldn’t possibly hold the event.

“We will be back next year,” he said.