THE popular HARP 24 relay will be held for the sixth year in succession next month.

The event sees individual or teams of runners running non-stop for 24 hours.

And this year’s event – which will again be starting and finishing at Westcliff Rugby Club – has already attracted more than 300 athletes, much to the delight of committee member John Hunt.

“It looks like it’s going to be another great day,” said Mr Hunt.

“The first year we ran it we had 31 runners so to already have more than 300 signed up for this year shows how far we have progressed.

“We have also been able to raise £30,000 for HARP during that time which is fantastic.

“And hopefully we will be able to raise another good amount this year too.”

The event will get under way at midday on Saturday, June 25, before finishing at the same time the following day.

Runners will run a 4.4-mile course around Cherry Orchard Park with a variety of people taking part.

“We have people that run it competitively and those who run it with a group of friends,”

explained Mr Hunt.

“Some people run on their own while others take turns and run in teams of eight.

“It’s entirely up to the people involved what they do but it’s a great weekend.

“It’s hard work and lasts about 34 hours for us.

“But there’s a great atmosphere and we get really good feedback which I think is because it’s a running race organised by runners.”

Those taking part this year will all wear electronic chips, sponsored by DJC Property Management, to record how many laps have been completed.

That information will result in the winning team being identified but there is still time for athletes to register.

Those wishing to take part can do so online via the website at harpsouthend.org.

Prices have been set at £35 for individuals, £60 for a pair, £120 for a team of three to five and £180 for a team of six to eight.

All money raised will go HARP who work tirelessly in Southend to reduce homelessness by providing essential services, emergency housing and long-term solutions.

They also enable people to rebuild their lives and return to independent living.

This year’s event has also been made possible by sponsorship from Mark One Hire, Olympus, Ipeco, Waitrose, Essex & Suffolk Water and Edmund Carr.

The organisers were also keen to thank Westcliff Rugby Club for their support and HARP’s Kirsty McHattie is hoping for another great event.

“We raised £10,000 last year with 230 runners taking part, and we’re aiming to grow the scope and scale of HARP 24,” she said.

“Year-on-year it’s such a well-attended and organised event thanks in no small part to our sponsors plus the hard work put in by John and the committee.”