HUNDREDS of runners and marathon walkers are due to take part in the Wuthering Hike tomorrow.

The Hike - formerly the Haworth Hobble - was a victim of Foot and Mouth Disease last year, when organisers; had to cancel the event.

The 31-mile moorland marathon is still suffering the after effects of the outbreak with the number of people taking part down on previous years.

"The number of people expected to take part is considerably down on those who had entered last year," said organiser Brett Weeden.

As soon as it became clear that footpath restrictions were to be lifted in the area members of the Keighley & Craven Athletic Club decided to press ahead with the event.

"We have about 250 people already registered and I know there will be a few more turn up on the day, but we would normally have expected about another 100 runners," Brett said.

Many off-road athletes and distance walkers have still not been able to put in the miles of training required to complete the gruelling course withint he 12-hour time limit. The event starts at West Field Lodge at Penistone Hill, Haworth at 8am and crosses moorland paths and tracks around Haworth, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, including 4,400ft of climbing and descent before returning to Haworth.

Because of the risk of bad weather those taking part have to compete in pairs and must carry safety equipment including full waterproofs, a whistle, compass and map. They are also advised to carry spare clothes, a bivi bag, first-aid kit and emergency rations.

The first back are expected to take just over four hours. Both men's and women's team records were set during the 2000 event with the male record standing at 4 hours 12 mins and the female record at 4:32.

n The Fellsman Hike is also back after last year's 40th anniversary celebrations had to be cancelled. The 61-mile high traverse hike takes in seven Yorkshire Dales peaks starting from Ingleton heading into Dentdale before returning via Upper Wharfedale to Threshfield.

The Hike is organised by Keighley's Scout Service Team and in recent years has attracted about 300 competitors, but organisers can accept up to 450 taking part.

Further details are available by sending a SAE to: Fellsman Hike, PO Box 30, Keighley, West Yorks.

The event's website address is:

www.fellsman.org.uk