RUNNERS are being urged to help raise ‘£5k in 5K’ with a jog through the woodland in April.

The eighth annual Joshua Tree Family Fun Run will take place at Marbury Country Park on April 27, with a 5km race and 2.5km fun run to choose from.

Participants are being urged to raise sponsorship to help The Joshua Tree achieve its aim of building a holiday home and support centre for courageous kids and their families in Sandiway.

As an incentive the runner who raises the most amount of money for The Joshua Tree will also win a slap up meal.

Trophies will be presented for first woman and first man to cross the 5k line as well as the first under 16 boy and first under 16 girl to finish the 2.5k race.

There are also awards for the best or worst dressed runner at the event.

Lynda Hill, founder of The Joshua Tree, said: “The fun run is such a great event for us and the crowds grow bigger every year.

“This year we wanted to raise the stake for our runners and have asked them to help us reach our goal of raising £5k in 5k.

“We need £1.9million to build The Joshua Tree Holiday House and Support Centre but we know that’s asking a lot, that’s why we are only asking for a little.

“With around 400 runners last year we would only be asking people to try and get sponsorship of just £12.50 each, so it wouldn’t break the bank but it really would make a huge difference to The Joshua Tree.”

For more information visit thejoshuatree.org.uk or ring 01606 331858.