A FORMER soldier hopes to spread his love of the West Pennine Moors through a series of trail-running challenges.

Stu Repon-Ness is the brainchild behind the Howler Series – a unique compilation of fell and ultra events set on the moors above around Rivington, Darwen and Ramsbottom.

The 36-year-old was born in Salford and lives in Warrington, but spent many years training in the area during his Army days.

He served for more than a decade as a physical instructor with the Military Police in war zones all over the world, from the Balkans to Iraq, but since leaving the armed forces has been attracted back to the moors he grew to love as a young recruit.

"People travel far and wide to visit Snowdonia and the Lake District, but for some reason the West Pennine Moors have somehow been bypassed," he said.

Repon-Ness set about redressing that balance with the 3 Towers Ultra – a 37-mile self-navigated race that connects the towers above Rivington, Holcombe Brook and Darwen.

The inaugural race was held last year, when 55 people took part, and the field doubled for its latest incarnation earlier this month.

"We had entrants from Scotland, Ireland and southern England, which is great, it's just what I wanted," he said.

"I wanted to design events that would be interesting enough to draw people into the area, so we could really show it off.

"There are a lot of good fell running events in the area, but they tend to be attended by local club runners who already know the moors well.

"The events we have designed will hopefully appeal to a wider audience."

The Howler Series also includes a 10k, half-marathon, marathon and double-marathon along the West Pennine trails, which all start from Sunnyside Woods in Darwen and are run over the same weekend in March.

There are also plans for 100-mile and 160-mile ultra runs next year, but before then, on Saturday, November 25, Repon-Ness is launching his potentially most daring and unique event – the Howling Trail Chase.

Entrants have to navigate their own way from the start point next to the Blundell Arms in Chorley Old Road, Horwich, to the finish line in Darwen.

There are a few twists, though. It will be run in the dark, starting at 6.30pm, and the competitors will not be alone.

A pack of 12 Alphas – experienced fell-runners – will give them a 20-minute head start before attempting to chase them down before they reach the finish line.

"I got the idea from the TV series The Hunted," said Repon-Ness. "I don't know of any other trails event quite like it.

"It is based on the escape and evasion techniques I used to teach in the army.

"There is no route, the competitors can go whichever way they like, they are just fitted with a GPS signal to ensure their safety and the event will be attended by the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, who are absolutely brilliant.

"It is 12 miles, as the crow flies from start to finish, and those who reach the 'lair' undetected by the Alphas will get a special medal."

To find out more visit www.howlerevents.com