THE Great Hameldon Hill Race celebrates its 30th anniversary this year - and every runner taking part will be given a special memento commemorating this milestone in the history of the race.
This year’s six mile event, which includes 1100 feet of ascent, takes place on Sunday 3 May starting at Peel Park School at 12 noon.
The minimum age of the race is 16-years-old and there are a number of prizes including veterans and teams awards. And there is also a non-athletic club team award, won by Lancashire Fire Brigade last year, and the organisers want to attract teams from all backgrounds - like factories, pubs, clubs, families or a group of friends.
The first three finishers count for scoring purposes.
The organisers are also hoping many of those who ran in the first event in 1979 will return to have another go at the race, then 308 runners started.
In the boom time of running, in 1991, the race attracted almost 500 seniors and 100 juniors but numbers have dwindled since although the organisers are hoping there will be a good turn-out on the anniversary.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn - Pam Barton and Sue Johnston - will start the race and proceeds will go towards building a new classroom for children in Malawi.
The idea came from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers member Maureen Laney, who holds the silver medal in the World Mountain Running Championships in her age group, whose daughter Eleanor recently spent three months in Malawi.
Entries are £5 and forms are available from the Peel Park Hotel. There will also be entries on the day from 10am at Peel Park Hotel.
