ENTRIES are being sought for the 41st annual Lyke Wake Race across the North York Moors National Park.

The event, which takes places over 42 miles from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, is to be held on Saturday, July 9.

The race attracts entries from all over the country and race director Paul Sherwood is hopeful that the event will surpass that of last year, where there was the highest number of entries in the race's history.

Runners and walkers taking part have to finish the course within 12 hours.

A handicapping system of staggered starts is based on entrants' previous times or their best personal estimates, with safeguards built in to detect fraudulent claims.

The record time of four hours and 41 minutes was set in 1989 by Mark Rigby, while the women's record of five hours 30 minutes was set by Helen Diamantides in 1992.

There are seven check-points over the course of the race, where refreshments will be provided to the anticipated 150 entrants, with safety communications being provided by Richmond Raynet Group.

Trophies, sponsored by The Dalesman, will be awarded to individuals and teams, including the oldest competitor to complete the race, currently held by a 76-year-old.

Application forms and race details are available from the Race Director, PO Box 24, Northallerton, DL6 3HZ. The closing date is Saturday, June 18.