HUNDREDS of athletes prepared for their new year celebrations by taking part in the Auld Lang Syne fell race on New Year's Eve.

The race, which was organised by Dave and Eileen Woodhead attracted a record crown of 400 runners.

"We certainly weren't expecting anywhere near that number of runners," Dave said.

A special brew of beer had been produced with all finishers due to get a bottle, but they ran out of supplies long before the last of the runnrs crossed the finishing line.

"We had to send down to the co-op in Haworth for extra cans of beer, but anyone who didn't get one of the commemorative bottles will get one if they turn up at the Stanbury Splash at the end of January," Dave said.

The race was given a Scots touch with former English Ladies marathon record holder, Sarah Rowell, wearing a kilt as she was given a three minute start as 'hare' in the race.

The former champion, who is now an England selector, had been caught with her trousers down at the Millennium race and featured on the beer bootle label. "We were planning a special prize for the first to catch her and kiss her backside, but Sarah had an ankle injury so hopped over a wall early in the race and hid until they had all gone past - but the bit of fun certainly got the race off to a lively start," Dave Woodhead said.

The race was won by ian Holmes in a time of 34mins 48secs with Andy Peace of Haworth in second place in a time of 35.37. they were being chased by Andrew Jones of East Cheshire, until he landed in a deep puddle and dropped back to fifth place.

Lucy Whittaker of Saddleworth was first woman in 43mins 16secs.

There were new records in the Over-60's ladies section with Christine Porritt of Ilkley finishing in 73:34 and Brian Leathley of Clayton-le-Moors set a record time of 62:13 in the Over-70's men's section.

n Results and more pictures -- Page 27.