THE final race of the old year is the Auld Lang Syne Fell Race on Friday, December 31.

Organised by Dave Woodhead, all finishers will receive a one-pint bottle of very strong Briscoe Brewery beer especially named for the occasion. Start of the six-miler is 11.30am from Penistone Country Park, near Haworth.

The opening race of the new year is the Joe Salt New Century 5K road race which starts at 11.30am on Saturday, January 1.

Registration is from the Royal Oak Inn, The Square, Littleborough, near Rochdale.

Also on New Year's Day is a new race from organiser Allan Greenwood. The Giant's Tooth is a three-mile fell race which includes 4,000 ft of ascent.

Start is from Ogden Reservoir, Causeway Foot, off the A629 Keighley-Halifax road at noon.

The British Millennium Marathon at Leyland is the country's first marathon of the new millennium.

Starting at 9.30am on Sunday, January 2, the event also incorporates a half marathon. The Colne 11M is a multi-terrain race which starts at 10am on Sunday. The race begins at the Railway Car Park, outside Colne Sports Centre. Entries will be accepted on the day.

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