WITH more than 400 competitors, the end of year Auld Lang Syne Fell Race is one of the most popular fell events in the calendar.

The six miles, 900ft ascent race, is held at Penistone Hill Country Park, near Haworth, Keighley.

Despite a relatively small turnout of Horwich RMI Harriers, there were solid performances from the club's top three finishers. James Logue (sixth), Chris Heys (11th) and Peter Haworth (12th) all ran well, enabling Horwich to beat local favourites Bingley for the team award by four points.

It was a good tussle between James, Chris and Peter, reversing the trend of recent results which have seen Peter ahead of Chris at Bolton-by-Bowland, and Chris ahead of James at Whinberry Naze. With Tony Hesketh second over-50, and Chris second in the fancy dress category, a good time was had by all.

Also on New Year's Eve, Horwich RMI Harrier Colin Rigby finally broke the 26 minute barrier for a five mile race when setting a terrific new personal best of 25.26 in the Sale Reebok Five Mile Road Race, finishing in 11th place overall.

The race had some good quality athletes competing for victory, with Thomas Abyu of Salford winning in 23.43.

Denise Wakefield also finished the year off in style, winning the over-50 prize in a time of 35.36. The club's only other runner was Karen Hutchinson who had to settle for second over-40 in a time of 32.28.

The day before, Rob Jackson ran well to finish first Horwich athlete in the testing Hot Toddy 5.8mile Road Race. Ian Selby was not far behind in 13th and Lisa Heyes was third Lady.

RESULTS Sale Festive 5: 1 T Abyu (Salford) M 23.43; 11 C Rigby M35 25.26; 98 K Hutchinson 2nd L40 32.28; 154 D Wakefield 1st L50 35.36;Finishers 360.

Ribble Valley 10K, Clitheroe: 1 S Stokes (Sale) M 30.13; 181 P Boardman M45 39.24; 216 J Foulds M45 40.15; 218 M Lysycia M45 40.16; 388 R Longlands M 44.54; 429 S Adamson M 46.00; 579 E Swift M60 49.51; 683 M Banks M 53.01; Finishers 923.

Hot Toddy 5.8 Miles Road Race, Todmorden: 1 T Elly (Salford) M 30.10; 7 R Jackson 3rd M40 31.38; 13 I Selby M35 32.23; 46 L Heyes 3rd L 35.50; Finishers 261.