COUNCILLORS and officials in Blackburn with Darwen borough council are limbering up for a fitness challenge this summer.

Council leader Malcolm Doherty, coun Kathy Ramsden, Phil Richards, the director of housing, and operations director Ian Stephenson, are flexing their muscles for the 5km Corporate Challenge fun run.

The team race, arranged by the council in partnership with East Lancashire Health Authority and NHS North West, is one of eight races in the region designed to get people of all ages and abilities running or walking for fun. Scores of competitors ranging from experienced runners to novice walkers, representing businesses and firms across East Lancashire, are set to take part in the fun run, which starts and ends in Witton Park, Blackburn, on Sunday, August 3.

Public sector workers are also planning to enter teams, with representatives from East Lancashire Health Authority donning their running shoes for the challenge. Teams must be made up of four members, including at least one woman and a person over 36. Prizes will be awarded in four categories and the charity shield division.

The winning charity team will also receive a £100 donation to the charity they represent.

Coun Doherty, a keen runner, said: "Blackburn with Darwen Council is pleased to be hosting the East Lancashire race. The Corporate Challenge is part of the Fitness for Life project which the council promotes at its leisure centres.

"The idea of the challenge is not only to encourage runners to take part in a competitive event, but to give people who may not be so experienced an incentive to take up exercise for fun."

Competition entry forms are available from the council on 01254 585237, and the health authority on 01282 610243.

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