Organisers of this year’s Keighley BigK 10K are urging people to sign up for the Manorlands money-spinner.

The plea has been issued amid concerns about low entry levels for the March 30 run and walk.

“Entries so far have not been disastrous, but we are well behind where we were this time last year,” said Manorlands-based Sue Ryder regional fundraiser, Andrew Wood.

“We believe it might be the horrible weather that has stopped people from thinking about going out for a run or walk.”

The event takes place just before the end of the Oxenhope hospice’s financial year, so will be crucial in helping the Keighley News hit the appeal’s £1 million target.

Last year’s Keighley BigK 10K attracted more than 1,000 entrants and raised a staggering £49,000.

Mr Wood said that on the plus side, the event – which starts and finishes in Victoria Park – has attracted corporate sponsorship from White Rose Volkswagen, Convenience Hire and the Airedale Shopping Centre, which means every penny from entry fees and sponsorship will go towards caring for patients at Manorlands and in the community.

Yorkshire Water is providing sports water bottles to all participants. And there will be a T-shirt and goody bag for all finishers, plus medals for winners.

Manorlands’ fundraising team is also seeking volunteers to act as stewards on the day.

More than 80 marshals and stewards normally help along the multi-terrain route, which links the town’s four main parks.

Mr Wood added: “Volunteers are crucial to Manorlands and to the BigK 10K.

“We are lucky this year we are getting additional help from the Scouts and cadets of Keighley.

“Now we are just hoping for a surge in entries to help us raise that last chunk of income we need to hit the big target.”

Advance entry costs £12 for adults and £6 for juniors, or £50 for teams of five.

Visit bigk10k.org.uk, collect an entry form from a Sue Ryder shop or call the Manorlands office on 01535 640176.