Horwich is set to stage two major national sporting events to coincide with its Carnival Sunday celebrations.

The annual British Masters Athletic Federation 5k Road Championships and a stage of the National Men's Circuit Series in cycling will be held on May 25 with top performers in both sports travelling to the town.

The day will also witness a series of other cycling races, the British Masters race including some of the best veterans in the country competing in different age categories over three laps of the town centre.

Favourable conditions could see records tumble, as Horwich RMI Harriers spokesman Gareth Hughes explains: "Horwich can be very proud indeed to be staging this prestigious event which will attract many top runners all vying for glory in their respective age categories.

"Numerous current and former international athletes will be pounding a very quick course. It is also relatively flat so I would not be surprised if a few records were broken.

"I know that some of Horwich's top runners are certainly thinking that way, and I'm sure many of the athletes from other clubs will see the same positives of the course.

"Horwich RMI Harrier Paul Muller should be in with a shout as he continues to perform well over all surfaces, including his Silver medal M45 performance in the Veteran Home International Cross-Country Championships last Autumn.

"Fellow Harrier and England Fell International Tony Hesketh will be hoping to put in a good display on home soil in the M55-M59 category.

"Horwich will be hoping to see several of its top female veteran runners taking part including GB Triathlete Sue Jones in the W40-W44."

Also present will be reigning M40-M44 champion Mick Hawkins of Bingley, and rival Alex Rowe from Wesham who finished just two seconds behind him in last year's event at Grimsby.

Helen Burrell, of Redhill Road Runners, and Derby AC's Wendy Rowthenbaugh are favourites in the W35-W39 competition.

Several cycling races will also take place on the day, with Sophie Gore, Horwich Cycling Club's English Schools champion, one of the favourites in the under-16s youth race.

The culmination on the day at 5pm is the elite cycling event with a number of national and international champions taking part. Former champions John Tanner and Mark Lovatt will be competing, as will local riders Mark Leyland and Graham Shipley.

But there are also a number of other bike races with youth, women's, junior and senior events, each featuring strong competitors from Horwich cycling club.

Perhaps the best sight of the day will be the penny farthing challenge, which will feature riders from across the country on varied machines. Former national champions Alex Baxter and Alice Huntington are already pencilled in.

Horwich Carnival Races 2003.

Programme of events.

11.30am Youths Cycle Races

1.00pm Carnival Parade

1.55pm British Masters 5K Road Championships (Men)

2.25pm (Women)

3.00pm Penny Farthing Challenge

3.30pm Horwich Carnival 5K Road Race

4.15pm Senior/Junior/Women's Cycle Race

5.00pm Elite Men's Cycle Race