The annual Run For Dad at Bendigo Racecourse on Father’s Day has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organising committee spokesperson Keith Macdonald said ongoing uncertainty around the Coronavirus pandemic had left no choice but to cancel the popular September event for 2020.

The Bendigo Run For Dad raises community awareness about men’s health with proceeds supporting the Men's Health Clinic at Bendigo Community Health Services and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“We have held out as long as we could on making a decision about the Run For Dad but it’s become clear the ever changing landscape around the Coronavirus pandemic has meant we had to make a call,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Regional Victoria has done a great job in keeping the Coronavirus at bay but as we’ve seen in Melbourne in recent weeks this can change very quickly so we thought the best thing to do was take a break this year.

“We will continue to raise community awareness about the importance of men’s health while we wait for 2021 to roll around and we’ll bring the Run For Dad back in whatever format the ‘new normal’ allows.

“Until then we encourage everyone in the community to follow the Coronavirus rules to ensure you, your family and our community stay safe and well.”

Bendigo Community Health Services Nurse Practitioner Peter Strange said the organisation fully supported the decision to cancel the Run For Dad this year.

“Communities must focus on getting rid of this Coronavirus to keep everyone safe and well,” Mr Strange said.

“It’s really important too that as we lose great events like Run For Dad that put a real focus on men’s health that men do not forget to take their health seriously and look after themselves. Please do not put off seeing your doctor or health professional for a check up. Don’t skip those very important screenings for prostate and bowel cancers. Our Men’s Health Clinic is still running as an ‘essential service’ so we can help you with any health needs.

“It’s important to stay safe and follow the Coronavirus rules but the State Government has gone to great lengths to remind people it’s essential to continue getting medical care where needed and that’s a great message.”

Mr Strange said proceeds raised through the Run For Dad had been vital to the Men's Health Clinic at Bendigo Community Health Services through the years in getting important messaging into the community about the need for men to look after themselves.

"We look forward to the Run For Dad returning in 2021 because of the huge role this event plays in getting men and their families out and about being active together and thinking about the importance of men's health," Mr Strange said.