Organisers of this year’s Keighley BigK 10K are urging people to sign-up for the Manorlands money-spinner.

The plea has been issued amid concerns over low entry levels for the Sunday, March 30, run and walk.

Manorlands-based Sue Ryder regional fundraiser, Andrew Wood said: “Entries so far have not been disastrous but we are well behind where we were this time last year.

“We believe it might be the horrible weather that has stopped people from thinking about going out for a run or walk.”

He said the event would take place a week before the end of the Oxenhope hospice’s financial year, so would be crucial in helping hit its fundraising target.

Last year’s Keighley BigK 10K attracted more than 1,000 entrants and raised a staggering £49,000.

Mr Wood said that on the plus side, the event – which starts and finishes in Victoria Park – has attracted corporate sponsorship from White Rose Volkswagen, Convenience Hire and the Airedale Shopping Centre, which means every penny from fees and sponsorship will go towards caring for patients at Manorlands and in the community.

Yorkshire Water is providing sports water bottles to all participants. And there will be a T-shirt and goody bag for all finishers, and medals for winners.

Manorlands’ fundraising team is also seeking volunteers to act as stewards on the day.

More than 80 marshals and stewards normally help along the multi-terrain route, which links the town’s four main parks.

Mr Wood added: “Volunteers are crucial to Manorlands and to the BigK 10K. We are lucky this year that we are getting additional help from the Scouts and cadets of Keighley. Now we are just hoping for a surge in entries to help us raise that last chunk of income we need to hit the big target.”

Advance entry costs £12 for adults and £6 for juniors, or £50 for teams of five.

To sign-up for the event, visit bigk10k.org.uk, collect an entry form from a Sue Ryder shop or call the Manorlands fundraising office on (01535) 640176.