A major sporting event, which brought thousands of people to west Cornwall and pumped much needed cash into the local economy, will not return next year.
The Festival of Sport was held in Marazion for the first time this September but organisers have now pulled the plug, despite proclaiming the event a 'complete success' and vowing to return next year.
St Aubyn Estate, host of the inaugural event, has been left "shocked and deeply disappointed" by the moves. An announcement has yet to officially be made by organisers Human Race although staff at the Mount were told this week.
Announcing the news on the St Michael's Mount Facebook page this morning, the Estate said: "It is with great disappointment that we have heard from Human Race that they will not be returning to Cornwall with the Festival of Sport in 2013.
"It is a real shame not only for those of you who took part and attended but also for the town of Marazion and west Cornwall as a whole.
"However, the concept of the festival is a great one and all the initial research undertaken had pointed to some real benefits and significant wider economic impact of such an event. For this reason, we will be exploring other options and who knows what may rise from its ashes. We will keep you posted."
The Festival of Sport took place in September and saw competitors travel from across the country to take part in a host of events from triathlons, to cycle races and open water swims.
Speaking to The Cornishman following the event, Human Race marketing manager Dan Lipman said: "The event from our perspective was a complete success. It was as good as it could have been for a year one event."
Human Race have been planning the festival for a number of years with the help of the local community including the St Aubyn Estate and the town council. The target number of participants was 1,500 - a figure which was easily exceeded with 2,000 athletes taking part in the core sports.
Mr Lipman said at the time he hoped next year's event, billed to take place from September 20 to 22, would be bigger and better with the possible addition of Paralympic activities.