THE 24th Butser Hill Challenge gets under starter's orders on September 26.

A co-production between Portsmouth Joggers, Stubbington Green Runners and Victory AC, the Grade A short-course fell race comprises 4.5 miles for seniors, including 888 feet of climbing. For the juniors (11-15 years) there is a 1.5 mile course.

Every stride the runners take will help raise money for the Portsmouth Hospitals Rocky Appeal which hopes to raise £2m for a unique, purpose-built cancer laboratory.

The original 'Great' run was first held in 1978 and has so far raised £21,600 for charity in 23 years.

Butser Hill is located off the A3, four miles south of Petersfield at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Entry forms are available by sending an SAE to: Race Secretary, 16 Wellington Court, Waterloo Road, Havant, PO9 1BL or from www.pjc.org

The event is supported by Hampshire County Council and Forest Enterprise.