THE future of one of the region's traditional sporting events is again in jeopardy, less than a year after it survived.

The Lyke Wake Race, which covers 42-miles of some of the toughest terrain in North Yorkshire, was first held 40 years ago.

At its height, up to 100 competitors a time would battle across the North York Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar.

But in recent years the numbers have dwindled, and the cancellation of the event because of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001 hit the event's finances hard.

Last July's event was almost called off when only six people had signed up by the end of May, but a late surge of entries meant it was able to go ahead.

However, organisers are warning that this year's race will not proceed unless they have a viable number of entries by early May - even though the official closing date is June 19.

The race has traditionally had strong support from the North-East as well as the Yorkshire region.

But race director Paul Sherwood said: "The end may be in sight after several years of very poor entries. Over the past few years the average entry has been an unviable 55 competitors.

"Financially, we really need about 70 participants each year to make it viable."

Applications forms are now available for the race, on July 10, by writing to: The Race Director, Lyke Wake Club, PO Box 24, Northallerton, DL6 3HZ, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.