ONE of the biggest events in the fell-racing calendar is in danger of being cancelled because the number of people wanting to take part has plummeted.

Only six people have so far signed up for the famous Lyke Wake Race this year, putting the future of the event in jeopardy.

Organisers are urging enthusiasts to sign up for the gruelling cross-country marathon before they have to call it off, possibly for good.

The walking and fell-running race sees hardy competitors covering a 42-miles linear course across the North York Moors, from Osmotherley in the west to Ravenscar on the coast near Whitby. It was first held in 1964 and has attracted up to 100 people eager to pit themselves against the moorland terrain. It has only had to be cancelled once - in 2001 when foot-and-mouth disease was rife.

This year's race is due to be held on July 12. Normally by this time of year the entries have begun to flood in, however they have now been reduced to a trickle.

And although the closing date for entries is June 21, organisers say that unless the position improves by June 14 they may have to cancel.

Race director Paul Sherwood said: "We just don't know why we are getting so few entries but the race costs us some £700 to stage and because of the cancellation in 2001 we have very little reserve."

"With 60 or more communications people, caterers and marshals involved, it is impractical for the Lyke Wake Club to wait until the closing date to make the regrettable decision to cancel the event."

The race itself was launched only nine years after the Lyke Wake Walk itself was established.

Although it quickly became one of the most popular such routes in the country - attracting up to 15,000 people a year - the numbers completing the walk itself have been declining in recent years and is now down to about 3,000.

The event is open top walkers, harriers and fell-runners who are capable of completing the course in under 12 hours. The record, set about ten years ago, is four hours and 43 minutes.

Application forms are available by sending an sae to the Lyke Wake Club, PO Box 24, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3HZ. The entry fee is £8.