Organisers have expressed a wish to see more non-athletics club runners give it a go this year, whether they come from workplaces, other sports clubs, or pubs and clubs.

The race will again be the first in the series of 11 Grand Prix races, eight of which count towards overall prizes.

Last year there were 158 finishers in the race, but only Sportlife entered as a local team.

Sunday's race starts from Peel Park School field at noon.

Organised by Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, the race dates back to 1979, and at its peak attracted 500 seniors and 120 juniors, many of whom were local people just having a go for fun.

In that first race, the competitors comprised 289 men and 17 women, three of which ran for the Oxo factory team.

And at that time, women ran separately in fell races, although that changed in the early 1980s.

Ron Hill, probably the Harriers' most famous member, recently celebrated running 150,000 miles through his athletic career by running onto Accrington Stanley's ground on match day to celebrate the achievement.

In 1979, Ron finished eighth in the Hameldon, winning the award for first veteran runner over 40 years of age.

The race is six miles, starting from the school field, climbing the Coppice, Moleside and finally Great Hameldon Hill.

Entries can be made on the morning of the race at the Peel Park Hotel, Turkey Street, from 10 a.m. The fee is £4.50, and the minimum age is 16 years.

There are many prizes, including the first man under 20 years of age, and veterans' prizes covering five year bands, starting at 40 up to 75 – 70 for women – plus the first six men and three women finishers.

Further details can be obtained from Ian Greenwood (01254 237485) or Paul Healey (01254 384885).