PEOPLE in Craven are being asked to run or walk a marathon along the canal towpath or river bank next month in support of the Canal and River Trust.

The charity's 'canalathon' challenges people to complete 26.2 miles, in one go, or during July, on their own, or with friends, to raise money to help it continue carrying out work, like the recent £2million restoration of the 200 year old Eshton Road lock, Gargrave. The lock has just reopened after being closed for seven months.

It says during the coronavirus pandemic, it saw an increase in the number of people visiting canal towpaths - seeing them as places on their doorsteps to exercise and to enjoy nature, to perhaps catch sight of a kingfisher, heron or moorhen - but the waterways need constant maintenance.

Hamish Shilliday, head of individual and legacy giving at the Canal and River Trust, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, said: “Canalathon is about getting people active outdoors and enjoying pure escapism by their favourite stretch of water. Canals are great places to relax so take the time to appreciate the environment and look out for – and inspire – other people on the towpaths.

“Getting active along our waterways is not just good for the nation’s health, but it’s good for our canals too. It’s a fantastic way to get out and raise money to go towards safeguarding our canals, helping waterway wildlife flourish, and protecting our 200-year-old canal heritage in the face of climate change.

“From helping us fight plastic pollution in our waterways to protecting the future of our historic network of navigations, the money people raise by taking part in Canalathon will do so much for Yorkshire and the North East’s canals and rivers, for the communities who enjoy them, and for the wildlife that depends on them. As the Canal and River Trust celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer, together, we can make life better by water.”

Trust ambassador, entrepreneur, broadcaster and author, Saira Khan, added: “Canalathon is a fun and exciting challenge to get people moving and discovering the massive health and wellbeing benefits of exercising along the trust's waterways this summer. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air, soak up the scenery, get closer to nature, and get a little bit fitter into the bargain, all while raising money for a fantastic cause.”

People can sign up to the challenge on the trust website https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canalathon then create a Just Giving page and track miles through Strava.