Organisers for the 2020 London Marathon have delayed the decision on whether the event will be held until August 7. 

The iconic race was scheduled for April 26 but had to be pushed back until October 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The decision on whether it can be held was set to be announced today, but has now been delayed as further consultation is needed with local NHS Trusts, the emergency services and local authorities. 

In an open letter to participants, event director Hugh Brasher wrote: "We know how important the Virgin Money London Marathon is to you, to charities and in showing the world the wonderful spirit of London, of Great Britain and of our running community.

"So please bear with us while we finish the extensive work we have been doing to try to enable us to run together, safely.

“I will be in contact with our final decision and the options available to you no later than Friday, August 7.”

The event is the last of the World Marathon Majors hoping to go ahead after the Boston, Berlin, New York and Chicago Marathons were all cancelled.