Wharfedale runners and anyone aiming to get fitter in 2014 are being offered a place in one of several fundraising races.

The British Red Cross is seeking volunteers from the area to represent it either in this year’s 13-mile Great North Run, on September 7, or a number of marathons.

The charity has guaranteed places up for grabs at the Newcastle based half marathon and at marathons in Manchester, Edinburgh, Paris and Berlin.

All participants have to pay is the registration fee and commit to raising a target amount of sponsorship.

This ranges from £300 for the Great North Run to £1,000 for the Berlin Marathon.

Senior community fundraiser Max Newton said: “Once you’ve signed up for one of these runs, suddenly you’re filled with extra motivation to pull on your running shoes and hit the streets.

“And the thought of the people whose lives you will save by the sponsorship you’re raising will keep you going.

“Our runners will be directly helping people whose lives are turned upside down by crises such as house fires, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and conflict.

“After completing several of them myself, I can guarantee you won’t regret taking part.” Sixty runners from Yorkshire raised more than £60,000 for the Red Cross last year.

Everyone taking part for the charity will receive a sponsorship pack, online fundraising page, a Red Cross running vest and support.

Visit redcross.org.uk/runs or contact Max Newton on (0114) 242 7379 or e-mail mnewton@redcross. org.uk, to find out more.