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

Only six people have so far signed up for the world-famous Lyke Wake Race, due to take place in July.

Organisers are now urging enthusiasts to take part in the gruelling cross-country marathon before they have to call it off, possibly for good.

The walking and fell-running race sees competitors covering a 42-mile 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 can attract up to 100 competitors eager to pit themselves against the unforgiving moorland terrain.

The race has only had to be cancelled once in its history, in 2001 because of foot-and-mouth.

This year's race is due to be held on July 12 and normally by this time of year, the entries have begun to flood in.

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 do not know why we are getting so few entries, but the race costs us about £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 was launched only nine years after the equally famous Lyke Wake Walk 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 have been declining in recent years and is now down to about 3,000.

The July 12 event is open to walkers, harriers and fell-runners who are capable of completing the course in under 12 hours.

The record, set ten years ago, is four hours and 43 minutes.

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