FORMER Olympic athlete and world record holder Steve Cram has urged East Lancashire’s fitness fanatics to sign up for the region’s 10k race.

The first ever Pennine Lancashire run will be held in Blackburn on July 11, with thousands of runners already signed up.

The route will take athletes from Witton Park and into town, with money raised going to the charity of tireless cancer campaigner Jane Tomlinson.

Steve said: “10k is a manageable distance for anyone, although I’d urge people to train properly because they will enjoy it more.

“These events are about getting out and about because these sort of races were never this popular 20 years ago.

“This is a great way of raising money for Jane’s charity and for any other charity they want to support too.”

Steve has said he hopes to run the Pennine Lancashire 10k, which is supported by the Lancashire Telegraph and other organisations.