It is with great regret that the K2B committee must postpone the Resolution Cup Challenge to take place this Saturday, September 26. It will now take palce in May 2021.

A spokesperson for the committee, said: “As we are all aware, the situation with Covid-19 is worsening and as restrictions are tightening.

“We believe it is inadvisable to run the event at this time, even with the reduced numbers.

"All the money raised for the Resolution Cup this year will be presented by the end of this month. We don't want to delay getting much-needed funds to the nominated charities.

“We thank everyone who has supported us this year. We are so disappointed that for the first time in K2B history we've been unable to put on a walk.

“With the situation as it is, we have made the decision to further postpone the full walks for K2B and C2B until September 2021. Further details will be forthcoming.”

Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette: The popular K2B will now take place next yearThe popular K2B will now take place next year

The Keswick to Barrow Walk has been a fixture of the Cumbrian calendar for decades, with the shipyard involved right from the beginning.

Over the years the 40-mile endurance event has raised thousands of pounds for charities both local and national.

 Runners have set record times, people have competed in fancy dress, work mates have come together, and families have competed as one.

This year Covid-19 restrictions mean the event initially reverted to its 1967 roots of just two teams taking part - one from Barrow shipyard, the other from the Royal Navy - competing for the Resolution Cup.

This year's combatants were determined to put on a good race and raise as much as possible for charity. But now, with Covid-19 infection numbers rising, members of both teams have been left disappointed, with the event put on hold until next spring.

In a normal year, the walk would give away around £350,000 to charities and good causes.

Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette:

For an event that started out as a friendly challenge between the crew of the first submarine to carry the UK's nuclear deterrent and the Barrow shipbuilders who built her, the K2B has become a cornerstone of charitable donation.

It's estimated almost £4million has been raised for good causes by people who have collectively walked over 2.5 million miles. Over 200 local and regional charities benefit from the event including St Mary's Hospice, the mental health charity Mind, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Barrow Food Bank.

The gruelling route, through some of the county's best-known countryside, also provides a great opportunity for some friendly competition. The Royal Navy team needs no reminding that it has only won once in 25 years, and will now have to wait a further eight months before they are able to be afforded the opportunity of gaining a rare victory.

Visit: keswick2barrow.co.uk for information on how to support the charities this year.