Team registration has officially opened for the Keswick to Barrow (K2B) 2019.

As of midday today, teams can now register to take part in one of the biggest community events of the year.

On May 11, thousands of walkers will gather from across the country for the 53rd K2B.

This year is also the 10th anniversary of the Coniston to Barrow (C2B).

Anyone hoping to take part to take part in either walk you must be part of a team.

Teams should have between four and 12 members.

All members of a team must walk in the same event.

Each person needs to register as a member before completing either walk.

You can register at any time through the K2B website.

Once registered, you will be issued with a six digit Member ID, this can be used each year from then on.

Each team must have a team co-ordinator.

Team co-ordinators can enter multiple teams and does not necessarily have to walk on the day.

Each team co-ordinator nominates up to 3 charities when entering the team.

When entering, teams commit to reaching a fundraising target of £80 for their chosen charities.

The money raised is shared between the charities after the walk.

After the team has been entered, the K2B Committee review the applications and accept them, this can take up to a week, due to the volume of work.

The committee are all volunteers working in their spare time so patience is requested when waiting to find out if your team has been accepted.

Once a team has been accepted, each team member will be notified by email, and will be asked to pay a walker registration fee to confirm their place. This is £10 until Feb 28, and then £20.

There is no set closing date for registration but there is a limited number of spaces on the walk.

The C2B often fills up first, and C2B registration generally closes by the end of February.

Last year the event raised more than £333,000 and went to support charities that do some fantastic charities both nationally and closer to home in the Barrow and Furness areas.

John McIntosh, a member of the Keswick to Barrow Committee, said: “The 2018 K2B went very well on the day.

“We weren’t sure how things would go with the emergency start set up due to the issues caused by the Beast from the East, but there were no issues on the day and it was a fantastic event.

“For 2019, we’ve acknowledged the extra miles added for the 2017 walk was to much so we have reduced the distance back down to just below 40 miles.

“This year we’re hoping to expand the participation beyond the Furness area and hopefully reach 4,000 entries across both walks.”

Craig Bland, Chairman of the K2B Committee spoke to The Mail about his excitement for this years walk, he said: “It’s certainly come around quickly and we’re looking forward to another great year.

“We’re on the run in to the walk now and will start to fill up quickly and we can have a full walk on the day.

“It’s always a great day out for everyone, not just the walkers.

“It’s also a great challenge for anyone who takes part.

“Anyone looking for something to focus themselves in to getting fit should definitely get involved.

“I would encourage anyone to sign up to what should be another great day.”

For more information visit keswick2barrow.co.uk.