The annual Lyke Wake Walk which has been held annually since 1964 is looking doubtful this year and if cancelled would bring an end to an event well respected and liked throughout the running and walking fraternity.

The 42-mile walking and fell running race, crossing the North York Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar is due to be held on Saturday, July 10 but it may not be viable due to low entry numbers.

The event has been well supported over the years with up to 100 entries, coming from all over the country with strong support from Tyneside, Humberside and West Yorkshire as well as the more local Teesside and North Yorkshire areas. However, over the past five years the entries have been low with less than 50 competitors each year.

Last year the event was almost cancelled due to low numbers, as it becomes not financially viable with 60 or more communications people, caterers and marshals involved, it is impractical to organise the event.

Although the closing date is not until June 19 the organisers will not hold the race unless there is a viable level of interest and sufficient applications received by May 1. The entry fee is £10 if received before May 1 and £12 after that date.

The event is open to walkers, harriers and fell runners that are capable of completing the marathon and a half of tough moorland running in less than 12 hours. The current records stands at four hours 41 minutes, set in 1989 by Mark Rigby and in 1992 Helen Diamantides set a ladies time of five hours 30 minutes.

Applications forms available by sending sae to the Lyke Wake Walk Club, PO Box 24, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3HZ.