LEYLANDERS are being told to brace themselves for an American invasion at the turn of the Millennium.

Organisers of the British Millennium Marathon, due to be held in the town on January 2, 2000, are planning to jet out to the States.

They want to persuade some of the world's top long distance runners to sign up.

They will target racers taking part in the world-renowned New York City marathon, due to be run in November.

And with entrants from as far afield as Croatia and Argentina already among the 500 confirmed runners heading for the official Millennium Marathon, to be held in Leyland.

A spokesman for the organising committee, consisting mainly of members of the South Ribble Harriers, revealed: "We have received interest from all over the world and people are seeing this race as a major one.

"We were hoping to raise £100,000 for charity but I'm sure we can beat that easily if recent interest is a good guide to the support we will have."

Canvassing during the marathon in the Big Apple is just part of a hectic schedule being undertaken by race bosses.

They have already distributed 40,000 leaflets and 1,000 T-shirts at the London Marathon.

They also made sure the Leyland event was on the minds of runners taking part in the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon.

More than 30,000 leaflets will been handed out to the New York racers.

The Leyland event, it is hoped, will raise cash for Get Kids Going, a charity which helps disabled children and is backed by former Olympic champ Sebastian Coe.

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