NEXT time you go for a stroll around Blackpool's Stanley Park spare a thought for the walkers who will be completing 22 laps of it in a unique race this weekend!

Around 30 speed walkers will be circling the park for first ever 'New Manchester to Blackpool Walk' on Saturday, a gruelling 50 mile endurance test replacing a traditional route from Manchester city to the resort.

"Unfortunately because of new restrictions and legislation for risk assessment the old route was not feasible," explained Dick Maxwell of the Race Walking Association which has organised the event.

"New legislation for risk assessments means you have got to fill out forms and have marshals at every traffic light, roundabout and cross-roads. Because of the amount of traffic on the roads now it's just impossible.

"So Blackpool Council along with our club are putting on the 'New Manchester to Blackpool Walk' instead."

The race is not expected to be any easier for entrants than the old route. "With it being a race walk we can't allow just anyone to take part. They have got to be recognised race walkers," Dick said.

Walkers will start with at 7am with seven circuits of the athletics track behind Blackpool Sports Centre at Stanley Park.

They will then complete 22 laps of the park itself, and three more laps of the track to the finish.

Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Lily Henderson, is expected to be at the finish line to greet the winners.

Dick praised Blackpool Council for its consistent support for the Manchester to Blackpool fixture, which began in 1908.

"We are struggling to keep these long distance walks going but Blackpool Council have backed it all these years," he said.