Organising committee spokesperson Keith Macdonald said ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 situation in Victoria and the limited time left to promote the event had led to the decision to cancel.

"There's just too much uncertainty around COVID-19 and how it's impacting on communities to organise and host the Run For Dad this year," he said.

"It's so disappointing as we had to cancel the event last year as well, but the health and wellbeing of people must come first.

"It's a small organising committee and group of great volunteers that make this event happen so to go through all the planning and work to get ready for the Run For Dad only to have it cancelled at the last minute would be heartbreaking."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Run For Dad attracts hundreds of competitors and 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.

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

"This is another great reason why it's important people get the COVID-19 vaccine," he said. "The more people we can get vaccinated the more likely we are to successfully welcome back events like the Run For Dad."

"Run For Dad allows us to put a real focus on men's health.

"Do not put off having that check up. Don't skip those vital screenings for prostate and bowel cancers. Our Men's Health Clinic can help you with any health needs."

Mr Macdonald said organisers would continue to raise community awareness about the importance of men's health as they waited for 2022 with the aim of returning the Run For Dad to the Bendigo event calendar.

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