SUNDAY will see scores of runners tackle the gruelling Great Hameldon Hill Silver Jubilee race sponsored by the Observer.
The race was established in 1979 by Mark Raine and Bob Mitchell and in its heyday attracted hundreds of runners from all over the country.
Organisers are expecting another good turnout as many people tend to turn up on the day.
Paul Healey, who helped re-launch the race in 1986 with Alec Macauley, said: "It is not a race for which we get a lot of pre-entrants."
"We have had quite a few applications but not many from children and youngsters. We would like to see more young people joining in and we have a moral obligation as it helps with things like obesity."
"My message is come and have a go. If you don't feel like you can run, try the walk instead. We would love to see a return to the old days when we got hundreds of runners but it should still be a great day."
Trophies will be presented to the top three boys and girls in the under-13s, under-14s and under-16s section for their schools.
It is also hoped one of the two co-founders will be able to officially start the race, which sets off from the school fields at Peel Park School.
The contest attracts runners from far and wide. A unique feature this year includes a guided walk, starting at 9.30am.
There is still time to enter the race by visiting the hotel at 9.15am where forms will be available to fill in. Entry on the day is £3.50, juniors £1.50 and walkers £2.
The junior race around the Coppice will commence at 10.45am before the senior six-mile race gets underway at 12 noon. The first man home will receive £100 while the first woman will get £50. The first 50 men and 20 women will each receive a commemorative T-shirt.
Money raised will be donated to Maundy Relief and the Foundation for Young Athletes, set up in the name of former winner John Taylor.
A raffle will also be held following the race at the Peel Park Hotel to raise even more cash for the two charities.
