Runners are set to be put through their paces for the annual Accrington 10K road race.
The popular event, which attracts runners from across the North West, will celebrate its 30th anniversary later this month and will be opened by former Olympian Ron Hill.
Ian Tomlinson, race director for the Accrington Road Runners, said the race is nearly unrecognisable from when it first started back in 1985.
He said: “Back then they were all men and nowadays we have a 50:50 split of men and women.
“I have been with the club for 10 years and the biggest change has been the numbers.
“Back then we had about 40 or 50 and now we have around 130 which puts us on par with some of the bigger clubs in Lancashire. We have doubled our membership in the last seven or eight years.
“We are a local sporting club. We are not an Accrington Stanley or Accrington Cricket Club but we are certainly trying to put the name of Accrington on the map.”
A celebration party was recently held at Great Harwood Golf Club for members and Ian said they are also looking forward to commemorating the Accrington Road Runners’ birthday at the 10K race.
He said: “We are not so much pushing the boat out ‘big-style’ but we do have one or two extra prizes this year for category winners.
“It’s big in the sense that not many local clubs get to celebrate 30 years so it is something special.
“We are hoping once again Dr Ron Hill will be with us as he has supported us over the last few years.
“There are one or two who have been with us since the start.
“One of the co-founders Harry Haseley is our honorary member and we have quite a few who have been with the club for 15, 20 and 25 years and committee members who have been with the club for a long time.”
The 10K route will follow the traditional course, beginning on Burnley Road near the Whitakers Arms pub and finishing at Accrington Cricket Club on Thorneyholme Road.
Entry costs £12.70 for affiliated club runners and £14.70 for unattached runners.
A donation of £1 will be made from each entry free to East Lancashire Hospice. It will be held on Sunday, October 25 from 10am with registration at the cricket club.
Online applications can be also made at www.bookitzone.com .
