An historic walk which survived more than a century will reach the end of the road next year.

Organisers of Bradford's Whit Walk have decided 2005 will be the last time for a race which winds along a 32-mile route from the city's John Street to the Wharfe Valley and back to Peel Park.

But the walk will be re-invented as a shorter 15-mile hike from the city centre to Ilkley and organisers are also going to set up a power walk along the same route open to Bradford residents only.

At its peak the Whit Walk - the last of the country's major road walks - attracted more than 300 participants but last year just over 30 walkers made the effort.

Its president, Geoff Dowling, 72, blamed 21st century living for the decline, citing traffic-filled roads, multiple traffic lights needing marshals, the rising popularity of marathons and cost of insurance.

Mr Dowling, of Heaton, said the bank holiday's British veterans long-distance race walking championships 14-mile race would stay unchanged but he hoped the new Whit Walk will breathe new life into the event. He also urged local health clubs and sports centres across the district to take steps to join in. "It would be wonderful to keep up the spirit of the Whit Walk, making sure the tradition lives on," he said.

The last time the Whit Walk, the world's oldest amateur racewalking event, was shortened was in the Second World War.

The first walk was 18 miles longer than today's - stretching 50 miles from Bradford to York - before the shorter circular route closer to home was decided on.

To find out about next year's plans, telephone race director Julien Barker on (01274) 636474.