A POPULAR marathon and half marathon staged in Keighley two and a half years ago is set to return.

When it was first held in 2016, The Baht'at Marathon and Half Marathon took runners out of Keighley and up onto Ilkley Moor before returning to Victoria Park.

Now, organiser Jonathan Carter said the two runs will be taking place again, this time on June 16 next year.

He said: "The event in 2016 was a hilly, mixed terrain route. It was a success with runners enjoying some great views from the top of Ilkley Moor, and a challenging race. Importantly it raised money for local charities.

"For June 2019 we'll have an entry limit of 200 runners and the entry system will be opened in early January. Once again the event will be supported by Timothy Taylor Brewery, who will provide finishers with a bottle of their finest beer."

Mr Carter, who has run nearly 100 marathons across the UK, as well as in Europe, added: "We're very grateful for the support from local Scouts and from Eastwood Community School but especially appreciate our main supporter Timothy Taylor.

"The main aim of this marathon effort is to raise money for the Brathay Trust, a children’s and young people’s charity. Their headquarters are in the Lake District but they have centres across West Yorkshire, the nearest being in Bradford.

"We hope that by raising these funds it will enable some of the charity’s team to work within the Keighley area, which will benefit our young people here.

"The Brathay Trust work with some of the most vulnerable and ‘hard-to-reach’ children and young people in their communities. They help over 6,000 young people every year."

For more information and details on how to take part in the 2019 marathon and half marathon, visit bahtatmarathon.co.uk