LEYLAND'S Millennium Marathon runners could be hobbling their way to the finishing line if the route remains potholed and uneven, a local councillor has warned.

Mark Alcock, Farington's new councillor, fears that if Preston Road is used for the stretch of the race leaving Leyland, many runners will injure themselves on the uneven surface.

The route had originally been planned to incorporate Wheelton Lane which, according to Coun Alcock, is in a similar condition.

But after discussions between police and organisers South Ribble Harriers the marathon, due to take place on January 2, 2000, will be re-routed along Preston Road.

Coun Alcock said: "If they want to run down that road, I hope they have a lot of ambulances ready. It is bad enough negotiating the potholes when you are the only person on the road, let alone when there are thousands of people running in a group.

"People will be injuring themselves left, right and centre. If they are bunched together, when one person falls, it will be a domino effect."

He now wants the road to be repaired by Lancashire County Council in time for the race.

At a meeting on Monday night, Farington Parish Council voted to lobby the county council about the issue.

Race organiser Ron McAndrew tried to allay Coun Alcock's fears. He said: "We initially planned to run down Wheelton Lane because we thought it would be good for the runners, but since then we have decided to run down Preston Road.

"It is easier to shut off. We will be discussing it at a meeting of the group next week."

Money from the race, which will attract both professional and fun runners, will raise money for Whizz Kids, a charity which supports disabled children.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.