THE CHEVIN Chase Boxing Day race will go ahead as planned despite ongoing uncertainty caused by coronavirus restrictions.

Airecentre Pacers running club has announced that this year's 42nd Chevin Chase race will take place. The race will start at 11am on Moorland Avenue, Guiseley. The route takes in Carlton Lane, Yorkgate, Danefield and returns via Miller Lane and Moor Lane, finishing at the school on West Villa Rd, Guiseley.

The Chevin Chase has been a Boxing Day fixture for more than 40 years and attracts a top class field of competitors, including Alistair and Jonny Brownlee together with several locally based international triathletes.

The race also raises large amounts of money for local charities. The 2019 race gave £500 each to Guiseley in Bloom, Guiseley Theatre, AVSED and Hug on a Tray.

A spokesman for Airecentre Pacers said: "The Chevin Chase attracts over 1000 competitors and after a careful risk assessment the club committee have decided that it is able to hold the race within a Covid safe environment subject to strict measures designed to protect runners, spectators and residents along the route and at start and finish areas.

"As usual, there will be licenced road closures around the Chevin area as agreed with the police and Leeds City Council. These are designed to keep runners and spectators safe. Road traffic marshals will be in place to advise on diversionary routes. All routes are expected to be open by early afternoon whilst those affected by rolling closures will be open earlier. Full details will be available on our website at https://airecentrepacers.com/chevin-chase/chevinchase2021 from Tuesday 21st December.

"Airecentre Pacers would like to thank local residents and runners for the huge amount of support they have given to the race over the years and especial thanks to residents on the route for their patience on Boxing Day morning."

The Chevin Chase is a hilly, multi-terrain race starting and finishing in Guiseley via a scenic seven mile circuit of Otley Chevin, always held on Boxing Day. It attracts a wide range of participants - from seasoned fell runners to fancy dress enthusiasts. It also helps support a number of local charities with race proceeds.

Airecentre Pacers is friendly running club based in Guiseley. It caters for all abilities and welcomes new members age 18 and over. It holds club runs on Mondays at 6pm and 7pm, Wednesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 7.30am and 8.30am.