ORGANISERS are urging runners to give the Great Hameldon Hill Fell Race a go and raise money for the charity "Get Kids Going".

The race, sponsored by the Accrington Observer, is just one of a number of fund-raising events for the disabled childrens charity which will culminate with seven Clayton-Le-Moor Harriers' runners completing the Everest Marathon in November.

The Great Hameldon Race is a popular run for local runners although the organisers are hoping a few novices will give the six mile race a try - especially after the success of the 25th anniversary run last year.

It starts at the Peel Park Hotel, Turkey Street, Accrington on Sunday, May 29 at 12 noon and there is 1,100 feet of climbing.

There are plenty of prizes on offer including categories for non-club runners and team prizes. Yorkshireman Rob Hope broke his own record last year finishing in 36.12 while Trish Sloan holds the female record in 46.45.

Prior to the main race, there is a junior race which is three miles with 500ft of climbing. The minimum age is 12 with Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 categories and medals to all finishers. That starts at 10.45am.

Entry forms are available from the Observer offices and the cost is £3.50 (before 20 May) or £4 on the day for the main race.

This is the second in a series of races with the next two the Roger Hargreaves Memorial five mile trail race at Foulridge on Wednesday 15 June at 7pm and the Magnificent Seven Fell Race at Worsthorne on Sunday 14 August at 11am.

The Everest runners have a number of other, less energetic, events to raise money for "Get Kids Going" which helps disabled children get involved in sport, including buying special equipment and coaching them.

There is a fund-raising dinner on Friday 23 September with the "Everest Marathon Ball" at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel. Special guests with be Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Accrington's most famous runner Ron Hill.

Anyone interested contact John Roche on 07789 770324 or Garry Wilkinson on 07973 817677 or go on-line to www.everest-challenge.co.uk .