MORE runners than ever are expected to turn out for this year's annual fun run at Witton Park, organised by Blackburn Borough Rotary Club.

For the first time organisers have distributed entry forms around the borough in an attempt to attract as many people as possible.

And the competition element is being re-introduced to attract competitive runners as well as the annual fundraisers.

Organiser Keith Isherwood said he hoped all 500 forms distributed for the run on April 23 would be returned for a record turn out.

Runners can join the four or two mile routes and walkers are also welcome to take part in aid of East Lancashire Hospice, Blackburn.

The first 25 men and women past the finish line in the four-mile race and the first 25 under 15s for the two-mile race will all receive medals.

Mr Isherwood said: "For the first time we have distributed entry forms. In the past it has been up to Rotarians to rally up people to take part.

"We have targeted businesses and pubic places including the area's leisure centres. I would love to get all the forms back ideally.

"We want at least 400. And I'm sure we will get many more by trying this approach.

"It is a real fun day. Some people dress up. And now we have brought back the competition aspect fun can be had by people wanting to get the best time. The idea as well is to encourage people to start coming back year on year to beat their times."

East Lancashire Hospice has been chosen as the main charity with funds also going to Prostate Cancer Research and Rotary charities .

The entry fee is £3 for adults and £1 for under 15s. Runners are also encouraged to collect sponsors in aid of one of the chosen charities.

The runner's race will start at 11am and walkers will set off between 11.05am-11.15am. For an entry form contact Keith on 07929 598 136.

Registration can also be done on the day from 10.30am.