Kent’s longest-running half-marathon will not go ahead this winter.

Organisers have confirmed Dartford's annual race has been postponed due to road issues connected with the route.

Originally scheduled for February 25, promoters RunThrough say the 13.1-mile event will instead take place in the autumn.

A statement released by race officials said: "It is with regret that the Dartford Half Marathon is moving from February to Sunday, September 15.

"This is due to road networking issues.

"RunThrough will be in contact with all entrants in the coming week.

"Thank you for your understanding and apologies for the change.

"We look forward to seeing lots of you in September."

Due to its need to use, and close, public roads, the race has a three-hour cut-off time for runners.

It means this year's instalment will start at 9am and finish at 12pm.

It will still feature its usual course, which sees competitors take off from Central Park Athletics in Cranford Road, before they head towards south Darenth and into Dartford town centre.

The climax to the race will see participants cross the line where they began at Central Park.

The Dartford Half-Marathon is Kent's oldest edition of the popular 21km distance.

It was created by athletics club Dartford Harriers in 1977, at a time when British stars such as Sebastian Coe and Steve Cram were beginning their illustrious careers.

However, the race's inaugural edition saw Coe and Cram's British rival, Steve Ovett, claim the honours 46 years ago.

Ovett, as well as claiming five world records for the 1500m and the mile run, went on to become the Olympic 800m champion in Moscow in 1980.