Several hundred people are preparing for one of the country’s toughest but best loved challenges.

The annual Fellsman hike – organised and run by Keighley Scout Service Team – sees 500 runners and walkers navigate their way around an energy-sapping 61-plus-mile course in the Yorkshire Dales.

This year’s event, the 52nd, starts at Ingleton early next Saturday morning, April 26.

During the challenge, the entrants will climb over 11,000 feet and tackle testing terrain in a bid to finish – at Threshfield – in under 24 hours.

Among those taking part will be Jez Bragg, who holds the course record of 10 hours six minutes, and last year’s winner Adam Perry.

“For some of the entrants this will be part of an even bigger challenge as the Fellsman is a qualifying race for the 2014 Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc,” said an event spokesman.

“The Fellsman route doesn’t follow well defined footpaths so the entrants’ navigational skills with a map and compass are tested as well as their physical fitness!”

Volunteers will be manning 16 hill-top and nine roadside checkpoints, and providing refreshments.

Visit fellsman.org.uk for further information or to offer help.