Kirkwood’s 10k Trail Run is back for 2014 after proving to be a huge success last year

And organisers hope record numbers will take part this weekend to help the Dalton-based Hospice.

It will also be a poignant day for John Philpott, who helped arrange the first run in 2012.

The Trail Run was first organised in 2012 with the help of John, as a way to raise funds in memory of his wife Joanne, who sadly died in 2010 after lung cancer spread to her brain.

The weekend of the Trail Run is an important one to John as it marks the anniversary of her death.

“It’s nearly four years since we lost Joanne, my wife of 30 years and mum of our four children.” said John.

“Helping to raise funds for Kirkwood Hospice and Cancer Research does help me to make some sense of it all.”

The 2014 Trail Run will take place on Sunday, September 7, starting from the Leeds Road sports complex in Huddersfield.

It will provide a great challenge for both novices and experienced club runners.

Event organiser Gabrielle Butler says that this year the emphasis is on family fun, with a shorter 2k Fun Run also being organised for families and younger participants.

“We were delighted with the success of last year’s event, but we had a lot of interest from people who didn’t feel comfortable with running a 10k but still wanted to take part and support Kirkwood. So we’re delighted to be able to offer a shorter, more family friendly course this year.”

Both routes at this year’s Trail Run start from the Leeds Road playing fields, taking in the canal side. The course itself is flat, meaning it’s suitable for runners of all abilities. It’s ideal for people who don’t run a lot and entrants can walk if they wish

Sponsored by The Woodman Inn and Pink Link, the Fun Run starts at 10am with the 10k Trail Run getting underway at 10.30am. Registration will open from 9am.

Entry fee is £10 for the 10k and just £3 for the Fun Run. Runners can sign up online now at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/trail-run

Runners can also sign up on the day for £15 for the 10k and £5 for the fun run.