This year’s Staverton 10 road race may be called off.

The annual 10-mile road race, which takes runners twice around the airfield just outside Cheltenham, is due to take place at 9am on Sunday.

However, ongoing major roadworks on part of the route have put the race, which is organised by running club CLC Striders, in serious doubt. A final decision will be made in the next 48 hours.

“It’s very disappointing, it’s a big shame,” race director Eoin McQuone told The Local Answer.

“It’s a big part of the racing calendar. It’s very disappointing for all the runners but I’m still holding out a bit of hope.”

All the runners in the 275-strong field received an email from race organisers over the weekend warning them that the seventh running of the Staverton 10 may be postponed or cancelled.

It read: “The CLC Striders organising committee for the Staverton 10 road race due to be held on Sunday 29th January have become aware of major ongoing roadworks on the race route on the road between Bamfurlong Lane and the Hare and Hounds pub.

“There were roadworks in the same area last year and we were able to work with the contractors to secure a safe run-way through re-positioning cones.

“This year, there is a longer stretch by Brickhampton Court Golf Club which is resulting in a very narrow traffic lane, and which, as a result, doesn't allow for a coned-off running lane.

“This is causing us serious concern because – in its current state and layout – we are not satisfied that we can guarantee runner safety for that part of the route.

“As you would expect, we are in contact with Gloucester Highways and the contractors working in the area and we still remain committed to finding an on-the-ground resolution that might enable the race to go ahead safely on the day.

“However, we are updating you now because there is a very real chance that we may need to take the regrettable decision to cancel/postpone the race on safety grounds and we felt it only fair to let all entrants know this as soon as possible.

“Of course, cancellation/postponement of the race is an absolutely last resort option and if that decision has to be made, it won’t be taken lightly.

“The race organising committee have agreed to review the situation and make their final decision regarding whether we can go ahead with the race or not no later than Wednesday 25th January – at which point we will communicate our decision with all entrants, including information about refunds and transfers should the unfortunate decision to cancel have to be made.”