RUNNERS still have time to get their entries in for the Asda Horwich Carnival Races.

The races are run in tandem with the two-day Horwich Carnival, and will take place on Sunday, June 26, the second day of the carnival.

The closing date for the British Masters 5K road championships, the AAA of England and the North of England AA 5K road championships was Friday. But it will still be possible to enter the Asda Horwich Carnival 5K and the Georgia Pacific Horwich Carnival 5K up to and including the day of the run.

Organiser Gareth Hughes said: "As well as helping the Horwich Carnival raise money for Bolton Hospice and local primary school projects, the races are also supporting the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

"Many of the competing athletes will be also be raising money for their own chosen charities through sponsorship."

Cycle races will also take place on the Sunday. One of the highlights will be the Penny Farthing Challenge, in which runners take part in a handicap race against riders using the Victorian bicycle.

Runners to watch include Jason Ward of Altrincham, the 2004 Northern Champion, and Salford's Bev Jenkins, the Northern Ladies' Champion. Horwich RMI Harrier Lola Smal will be competing in the British Masters 5K road championships the day before celebrating her 72nd birthday.

Gareth said: "The Carnival Races Committee are delighted with the way things are building up to this top sporting and family fun day."

The carnival parade will go through Horwich on the Sunday and finish at Old Station Park, off Chorley New Road.

Attractions there will include a talent show, baby show, tug-of-war, band performances and a fun fair.

If you would like to help, call Kathy Gilfillan on 01942 816352.

For further information on the running events, please contact Gareth Hughes on 695528. For the cycling events, contact Dave Leyland on 07921 507611. Alternatively, log on to www.horwichrmiharriers.co.uk or www. horwichcarnivalraces.co.uk

Timetable

10.45am Craftprint Youth Cycle Races

11.30am On The Run/Puma British Masters 5K Road Race Championships

12.15pm Asda Horwich Carnival 5K Road Race, the AAA of England and Warburtons North of England AA 5K Road Championships

1pm Carnival Parade

2pm Georgia Pacific Horwich Carnival 5K Road Race (also Race 5 of the ON THE RUN Countryside Tour of Horwich & Rivington)

2.40pm Penny Farthing Challenge

3.05pm Helly Hansen Senior 3/4 / Junior / Women's Cycle Race

4.05pm Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents Elite 2 Men's Cycle Race