RUNNERS are being offered free entry to a gruelling ultramarathon – if they pledge top support an airborne emergency charity.

The organisers of the Round Ripon Ultra 35 run have offered to waive the £39 fee to anyone raising a minimum of £200 for the Great North Air Ambulance.

The run, which combines stunning scenery and picturesque villages through the Yorkshire Dales, takes place on October 3.

The 35-mile route will follow the northern section of the Ripon Rowel path, including a downhill stint through Studley Royal deer park, before coming back into Studley Roger.

Lead organiser Steve Adams said: “As well as helping my own charity, Teach Africa, which helps get the brightest children living in Nairobi’s slums a place in secondary education, we thought it would be good to use the event to raise money for a local charity too.

“The Great North Air Ambulance Service has such a relevance to people who regularly use the fells in Yorkshire and many of the participants may unfortunately need their services in the future.

“Some 120 people have already signed up and hopefully this number will increase come October.”

Participants must be aged 18 or over and can enter the race either individually or as part of a relay team.

For more information and for registration visit gobeyondultra.co.uk/Round_Ripon_2015