THERE is news this week of a couple of races for your diary - neither has received much publicity elsewhere.

Organiser John McIntosh contacted me about the Irwell Sculpture Trail Race on Saturday June 7.

It is 5Km long, starts at 2.30pm and is part of the Edenfield Village Fete, five miles north of Bury on the A56. The following day, Sunday June 8, Rossendale Harriers are your hosts for the Harry Aspinall Memorial Fell Race.

Starting at 1pm at the recreation ground behind the Rose and Bowl Pub at Stacksteads, it is 3.5 miles long with 900 feet of ascent.

* THE Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race on Saturday incorporates the second round of the English Junior Fell Championships.

Starting at the Belmont Bull, the senior race of 4.5 miles with 1000 of climb starts at 1.15pm.

The under-12s and under-14s race 1.5 miles-300 at noon while the under-16s course is 2 miles-500 starting at 12.30pm. The under-18s run with the seniors.

* SUNDAY'S Todmorden Triathlon is off although organiser Chris Greenwood says Tri Sports are hoping to stage it on the same weekend next year.

Their next event is the Barnoldswick Duathlon on May 25. Entries are still being accepted, call Chris on 01282-706583.

* THE Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K Fun Run is on Sunday at 11am. Starting at the Hilton Hotel, it is a dash south along the prom past the Tower and the Pleasure Beach and back.

* THE Mearley Clough Fell Race is on Tuesday evening with a 7.15pm start. Starting at the Calf's Head Hotel, Worston, Clitheroe the entry fee for the 3.5 miler includes a pasta supper. Safety pins are not provided.

* THE Rick Maden Cowm Reservoir Multi-Terrain Race is roughly 4.2 miles long. The reservoir is at Whitworth near Rochdale with registration at the Cock and Magpie Pub. Race is on Tuesday with a 7.15pm start.

* THE monthly Haigh Hall 5 Mile Road Race Series begins on Wednesday. Register at Wigan Rugby Union Club, Wingates Road, off Wigan Lane near to the Cherry Gardens Pub and Wigan Hospital. Course is 90 per cent traffic free, but arrive in good time for a 7.30pm start as there is a walk to the start.