MARY Stevens Hospice is hoping to use its vast network of contacts and supporters to help boost numbers taking part in this year's Cobra Classic 10K road race.

The race has been running for well over 20 years, but in recent times the amount of people competing has dipped considerably.

All proceeds from this year's race, on May 17, will go to the hospice and organisers hope their supporters will turn out in force and back the event.

The hospice has already been heavily involved with this year's event, helping hosts Cobra Running and Triathlon Club with items such as advertising, sponsorship, donations of food and drink, together with providing race marshals.

Hospice assistant fundraiser Georgina Lawrence, who will also be taking part in the race, said: "In previous years Cobra club members had to marshal the race themselves, which prevented them from taking part, so we will help them by providing all the marshals.

"We're hoping that when our supporters see money raised from the race will go to the hospice, they will turn out in force."

Recent races have only attracted fields of between 120 to 160 runners, despite being a top quality event.

Organisers are again offering a cash prize to anyone who can break the course record currently held by Wolverhampton and Bilston runner Ross Jones who clocked 32mins 59secs in 2012.

Race director Chris Pearson said: "We offer the cash prize in the hope of attracting more elite athletes to take part. It's a tough course, because the second half of the race is all uphill."

The race starts and finishes at Old Halesonians Rugby Club, at Walsall Grove near Hagley, and takes in a route around Halesowen.

There's also a 3.5K fun run which takes place in the rugby club grounds.

Entry details are available online at www.runnersworld.co.uk/events