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Rising costs and lower sign-up numbers have led organisers to wind down a popular running challenge after "nine brilliant years".
Organisers announced on Tuesday that the Durrell Challenge, a gruelling 13k road run from Victoria Park to Jersey Zoo, would "no longer be held" from 2024 onwards.
The event, which raises funds for wildlife conservation, takes place every May and regularly attracts hundreds of runners.
Our very first Durrell Challenge was in 2015, and we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with your support through these fantastic events! ????(2/6)
— DurrellChallenge2023 (@TheDurrellChall) February 20, 2024
But in a statement shared with Express following yesterday's announcement, organisers said that since 2020, when the world was gripped by a global pandemic, participant numbers had "dwindled" and "costs to put on an event of this kind" had risen.
The conservation charity had previously been very open about its fundraising challenges during the pandemic, and launched a public appeal as part of its fight for survival.
Alexandra Shears, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Durrell, said today: "After nine brilliant years of the Durrell Challenge, we've made the tough decision to stop holding this event.
"This will allow us to put more energy and focus towards our other fundraising efforts, including the Durrell Dash, our other long-standing running event.
"Sadly, since 2020, participant numbers for the Durrell Challenge have dwindled, and with rising costs to put on an event of this kind, we felt it was the right time for the challenge to end."
She continued: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part, fundraised, and donated towards our mission of saving species from extinction over the past nine years."
The statement added: "We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved along with our supporters through these fantastic events."
Organisers also encouraged islanders to sign up for the Durrell Dash, a festive run which is due to take place on 1 December.
Find out more here.
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