ONE of South Holland’s biggest charity events – Radar Challenge – will be called off on Monday unless a last-minute surge of entries saves the day.
The last two Radar Challenges at Crowland attracted hundreds of entrants and raised a total of £30,000 for a host of good causes.
But this year’s event looks destined to be a flop with fewer than 20 people registered to take part on Mothering Sunday, March 18.
Steve Colby, who chairs the organising group, said the Mothering Sunday date could not be avoided because moving Radar Challenge a week forward or back would have forced a clash between it and other events.
He said: “Entries this year have been very poor and to say we are disappointed would be an understatement.
“We have less than 20 participants registered so far and at this stage we should have received hundreds as we always have in the past.
“During this last week only one entry has been received. There is a real danger that the event will have to be cancelled, which is a great shame both for the organisers and the charities and good causes we hope would have been supported by the event.
“We regret we will not be able to put on the event unless in the next couple of days we receive something like 150 entries.
“In the past there have been multiple entries from schools, businesses and youth organisations, but these all seem to be lacking this year.
“Anyone considering this year’s event is urged to register now.”
The event features a 3k fun run, a 10k road race, a 12k family sponsored cycle ride and 8k sponsored walks with easy and challenging routes.
Forms are available from the Guardian offices in The Crescent, Spalding, but you can also download everything you need from www.radarchallenge.org
Organisers are South Holland Rotary Club, Spalding Lions Club, Nene Valley Harriers and Spalding Cycling Club.
Half of the sponsorship cash collected by participants goes to their own chosen charity with the other half going to good causes supported by Rotary and Lions.