The marathon was due to cross the summit of Moel Famau. Photo: John S Turner CC-BY-SA-2.0

Predicted severe winter weather has forced the abandonment of an off-road marathon due to be run in the Clwydian Hills this weekend.

The Excalibur Marathon was due to be run on Saturday, but organisers announced the event has been cancelled.

A statement said: “We have had to take this very difficult decision in conjunction with the warden team at the Clwydian and Dee Valley Range based on the predicted heavy snowfall and minus temperatures which could not only put participants at risk, but our many marshals, volunteers and staff from other agencies that are supporting the event.

“We are working as quickly as possible to establish a future date for Excalibur to take place and we will of course contact all participants with the offer of a new date.”

The route was due to start and finish near Llanferres, crossing Moel Famau and heading north along the range before turning back south.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Claire House Children’s Hospice on the Wirral.

More details are on the Excalibur website.