International multi-sport event cancelled

The Long Course Weekend was due to be held at the end of August in Masham

An international multi-sport event due to return to North Yorkshire for a second year has been cancelled.

The Long Course Weekend was scheduled to be held in and around Masham from 29 to 31 August.

It was claimed the event would bring in an estimated £2m to the economy and would attract thousands of swimming, cycling and running competitors and visitors.

But organisers announced this week that this year's event would not take place and another venue would be sought for next year.

A spokesperson for organisers Activity Wales Events said they would release further details next week, after an event being held this weekend in Wales had finished.

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that a lack of support from the local community played a part in the decision.

Last year's event was reportedly "unpopular" with some local residents, with concerns about road closures and a perceived lack of communication from the organisers.

There was also disappointment that not as many athletes and supporters attended the first event as had been promised.

The event had the support of North Yorkshire Council.

'Welcome economy boost'

The authority's head of tourism, Tony Watson, said they were "disappointed" the organisers had decided not to go ahead with the event.

"However, we are committed to continuing to support them to deliver the event in North Yorkshire and will be talking with them over the coming weeks about possibilities," he said.

"North Yorkshire is home to a number of well-loved and successful sporting events from cycling sportives to running races.

"Hosting the Long Course Weekend, which is a well-respected and internationally renowned sporting event, provides a welcome boost to our visitor economy and gives us the opportunity to show off our wonderful part of the country to athletes and their supporters."

The event was established in Wales in 2010, and now has annual competitions taking place across the globe including in Holland, Belgium, Mallorca and the flagship event in Tenby, Wales.

The sport is based on the principles of triathlon but is tailored to open up the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running to as wide an audience as possible.

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