Dashers see light with night-time fell event (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Dashers see light with night-time fell event

8:47am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Athletics By Gary York

DARWEN Dashers have seen the light by staging their first night-time fell race for those looking to step into the unknown.

The five-mile ‘Mr Sparkle’s Dark ‘Un’ is the brainchild of Dasher Simon Fox, who is hoping to attract at least 60 entrants for the race on Friday, February 24 and make it an annual event.

Starting at The Royal Hotel, in Tockholes, runners will don head torches and full body cover.

“Night-time fell running is very unusual, although not unique. It’s the first time the Dashers have organised one,” said Fox.

“There’s been a bit of interest, especially from Darwen, Blackburn and Accrington. Somebody from Wesham is also taking part.

“i’ve set a limit of 60 places and we’ve had 20-odd confirmed so far, but we’ve still got a month to go and people sometimes turn up on the night.

“It’s going to be well marshalled and marked with reflective tape, but I’d ask that those taking part are competent navigators.

“I really hope it’s a success. The idea is to make it an annual event.”

There are prizes for the first male and female, along with age group prizes.

Pre-entry is £5, or £5.50 on the night, and includes a free chip butty at The Royal afterwards, with a minimum age of 18 for runners.

The Dashers will be making a donation to Bolton Mountain Rescue from the funds raised.

Anybody interested should download an entry form at dashers.org.uk.