Organisers of an extreme obstacle race have cancelled its swimming section at the last minute after finding high levels of bacteria in the water.
Competitors were due to tackle an open water lake as part of the Survival of the Fittest race in Nottingham on Saturday.
But tests on the lake at the National Water Sports Centre have revealed its current condition could cause people to fall ill.
It comes after a number of people who took part in a different race in July, which also included water at the centre, reported cases of vomiting and diarrhoea after crossing the finishing line.
Director of race organisers Rat Race, Jim Mee, said: “Unfortunately conditions currently mean that we have had to remove this content in the National Water Sports Centre as a precaution.
“We have been monitoring water quality in co-operation with the centre to ensure safety during and after the event.”
The decision drew mixed emotions from runners.
Karl Brown wrote on Facebook: “Definitely not a decision taken lightly. It’s good to know SoTF (Survival of the Fittest) has the runner’s health at heart.”
Others were more disappointed by the change, Joanne Taylor said: “No way, I’d be gutted. That was my favourite bit!”
Mr Mee added the water due to be the turning point of the route will now be replaced by an airbag jump.
The race starts at 10am tomorrow at the Victoria Embankment, with 2,000 people competing.
The 10km race is part of a series now in its ninth year. More than 165,000 people have completed the courses at venues across the UK.
