Hoping for a heatwave and a 1,000-strong turnout at Hartlepool's Miles for Men day

Entrants in the Miles for Men event that was held at Seaton Carew.

And as the Miles for Men 5k men’s run and 5k women’s walk loom closer, organisers urged people to get their entries in.

The packed day of activities gets under way on Sunday, July 31 with the women’s walk being held for the first time.

Miles for Men promotions manager Kevin Hill said: “We have had a lot of interest from women and I would not be surprised if we get in the region of 200 to 400 in the walk, which would be really good for the first one.

“We are looking to have 1,000 overall on the site and there will be the music concert as well as the run and the walk.”

Interest in the men’s race has not only come from within Hartlepool this year, said Kevin.

“We have had men sign up from Middlesbrough and from Sunderland as well.

“I am told we can expect a bit of a heatwave towards the end of July so hopefully we will get great weather as well. That is what we are hoping for.”

He urged people to submit their entries in advance of the day and said they could enter for either of the 5k events by visiting the Miles for Men website.

This year’s programme of fun will be held at The Domes in Seaton Carew and now includes the Miles for Men 5k run at 1pm; the 5k Walk for Women at around 1.15pm; and the music festival from 1.30pm to 9pm.

Registration for Walk for Women – and for Miles for Men – is now open online at www.milesformen.co.uk

The men’s race will raise money for the Hartlepool & District Hospice while Walk for Women will support both the hospice and Miles for Men.

Entry for either race is £10 for adults, £7.50 for those aged from six to 17, £5 for those aged five and under, and the events are free for anyone aged 65 and over. All entrants get a T-shirt and medal.

Miles for Men was formed in 2012 and has helped both males and females in their battle with cancer.

Michael Day founded the charity after losing his father, Michael senior, to throat cancer in 2007. It started out with a sponsored run and now includes many more events.