A MEMORIAL run, held in honour of murdered schoolboy Joe Geeling, is under starter’s orders.

Hundreds of people are being urged to enter the fourth annual Joe Geeling Fun Run, which will take place in Bury on Sunday, June 12.

And for first time in the history of the race, Bury Hospice will be among those benefiting from the proceeds.

Race organiser Vicky McLeod, leisure club manager at Ramsbottom’s Old Mill Hotel, said: “We are hoping this year’s event will be much bigger.

“Obviously, it’s good if we can help more charities.”

In previous years, the event has raised more than £19,000 for the Joe Geeling Trust, embracing the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Joe, aged 11, of Devon Street, Bury, who had cystic fibrosis, was killed in March 2006.

Once again, Lavender Hotels are the main sponsors of the fun run, which will get under way at 1pm.

Last year, more than 450 people took part and it is hoped the numbers will increase this time around.

The event will start from the Bolholt Country Park Hotel in Bury.

The marshalled route goes from the hotel, along Walshaw Road to Walshaw village, through High Street and Starling Road and down Bolton Road.

Runners will then cut across Stephen Street, Newbold Street and Harvey Street, before emerging back on to Walshaw Road and finishing in the grounds of the hotel.

Details of how to enter will be available soon.

Michael Hamer lured 11-year-old Joe to his home in Bury and battered him with a frying pan before stabbing him repeatedly and dragging his body to a nearby park where he buried him in a shallow grave in 2006.