A CHARITY race to the South Pole, which included an injured North Yorkshire soldier and Prince Harry, has been suspended.

Organisers took the decision to stop the race element of the Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge on its fifth day as teams arrived at their first checkpoint, but they will continue their expedition at their own pace under a new format.

The challenge is being run by Walking With The Wounded and participants include Captain Ibrar Ali, from Eggborough, in Team Glenfiddich. His team-mates include Prince Harry and they were leading the 200-mile race after the third day.

Expedition director and Walking With The Wounded co-founder Ed Parker said the race was suspended for safety reasons.

He said: “While all three teams were progressing well, it was becoming evident there was a higher degree of stress on the team members. “With careful consideration from our doctor and race team, we have put the race on hold. This does not mean the expedition is over – we came here determined to get 12 men and women, all injured in conflict, to the South Pole and we will.”

The final 112km leg to the Pole began yesterday and teams hope to get there on Friday or Saturday.

Team Glenfiddich member Guy Disney said: “We all can’t wait to get there as one big group – we will be redefining our essential goal, making sure we get every single person there in one piece and do everything we can for the charity.”