EAST Lancashire is to host a huge fundraising fun run this summer with 5,000 people jogging through Blackburn’s streets.

The annual event, named the Pennine Lancashire 10K, is expected to raise up to £300,000 for local charities in its first year and will be one of the biggest such events in the North West.

It has been organised by Run For All, a charity set up in memory of fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, who raised thousands of pounds in running challenges while fighting cancer.

The Lancashire Telegraph is a partner in the event.

The Pennine Lancashire 10K, which will follow a route through Blackburn town centre from Witton Park, is the first of its kind in Lancashire and follows three other successful events organised by Run For All in Leeds, Hull and York.

And in future years it is hoped to hold the run in other towns across East Lancashire.

Jane’s husband Mike Tomlinson, who runs the charity, said he hoped the people of East Lancashire would get behind the event, which takes place at 9.30am on Sunday, July 11.

And he said that he could think of 'nowhere better' to hold a fundraising race in Jane’s memory.

He said: “The run takes place on the morning of World Cup Final day, which could make for a fantastic atmosphere.

“It will be a really fun day out for everyone who takes part and watches.

"It is not about being the fastest around the course but doing your best and being healthy.

“That was everything that Jane stood for. She was someone who inspired people and that is what we want this event to do."

“Jane used to love coming to East Lancashire and that is why we’ve picked this area for the next run.

"We had friends in Nelson, Burnley and Blackburn and some of my favourite memories of my life with Jane are walks in East Lancashire.

He said that East Lancs, Pendleside and Rossendale Hospices have been signed up as partner charities for the run along with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, the Christie Hospital and Coco, a charity run by former Olympian Steve Cram.

But people can raise money for other charities if they wish.

There will be places for 5,000 entrants of all abilities, from the age of 15 upwards.

There will be bands lining the route supporting the athletes on the day. The route has been devised with support from running team Blackburn Harriers and leads from Witton Park, along Preston Old Road to the new Wainwright Bridge, through the town centre, Barbara Castle Way, Montague Street and back through Whalley Banks, Bank Top and to the finish line at the entrance to Witton Park.

The Pennine Lancashire 10K is being officially launched at an event in Blackburn town centre attended by Steve Cram today.

Mr Tomlinson, who is a Burnley FC supporter and grew up in Settle, said that so far more than £2million has been raised in Jane’s name.

Alistair Campbell, who is supporting the event, said: “Jane Tomlinson was a true inspiration: courageous in her battle with cancer and tireless in her fundraising.

“It is fantastic that her family are now able to extend her fundraising legacy into Pennine Lancashire with the launch of a Run For All 10K in the area.

For more information and to enter the event visit runforall.com.