* Darwen Dashers are staging their first night-time fell race, the five-mile Mr Sparkle’s Dark Un’ tomorrow night.

The unusual event, starting at The Royal Hotel, in Tockholes, has been organised by Dasher Simon Fox, who is hoping to attract at least 60 entrants from across the region.

Pre-entry is £5, or £5.50 on the night, and includes a free chip butty at The Royal. Full body cover must be carried and a headtorch must be used.

Those interested can contact Simon Fox on 07900 160390.

* The 2012 Great North West Half Marathon takes place this Sunday, starting at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel.

The half-marathon, starting at 11am, is a multi-lap, flat and fast course on the coastal front of the Fylde and seen as ideal preparation for those taking part in this year’s London Marathon.

The entry list has now been reached, but organisers are keen to boost spectators numbers.

* Sunday, March 11 is the date for the oldest multi-terrain race in the north west at Abbey Village, near Chorley, in the shape of the 24th Roddlesworth Roller and Daffodil Doddle.

The races start at 11am and 12.30pm. Entry fee is £6.50 per club.

Contact Terry Dickenson on 01254 830591 for more information.

* Clayton Harriers are holding their annual presentation evening tomorrow night in the James Hargreaves Suite at Burnley Football Club.

The club decided to hold it at Turf Moor following requests from its Burnley members to hold the event a little closer to them.

There will be a free raffle on the night, and also the chance to make a donation towards the charities they support and the junior section of the club.

It starts at 8pm, with £12 admission that includes a hot buffer supper and disco entertainment.

Anybody interested should contact Marie Greenwood on 01254 237485.

* The Mid Lancs Cross Country series draws to a close on Saturday, March 3 with its final fixture taking place at Leyland’s Worden Park.

With so many prizes up for grabs across all age catergories, it promises to be an exciting finale.

The meeting starts with the U11 girls race at 12.30pm, followed by the U11 boys at 12.45pm, U13 girls at 1pm, U15 girls and U13 boys at 1.20pm, U15 boys and U17 women at 1.40pm, U17 men; junior, senior and vet women at 2pm, with the junior, senior and vet men at 2.30pm.

* One of the most popular north west 10k races – the Stanley Park 10k – is fast approaching with the event taking place on Saturday, March 3.

The organisers are hoping for another big turnout for the event that starts at 11am on the running track, running around the paths and walkways of the picturesque park.

All finishers receive a commemorative medal and goodies at the finish. There are winner prizes to the first three men and women and first in all vet categories.

The fee is £10 for UK club runners and £12 non-club runners. Entry closing date is tomorrow and the entry limit has nearly been reached. Online entries can be made at fyldecoastrunning.com/sp10k * Entries are still being taken for the Haweswater Half Marathon that takes place on Sunday, March 4 at Bampton Village Hall, near Penrith, Cumbria.

The excellent scenic race, in the eastern heart of the Lake District, usually draws a strong crowd.

The event begins at 11.30am. Anybody interested should contact Ron Kenyon on 01768 864728.

* Andems Runners and Rochdale Harriers are looking for entries for the Hilary Craft’s ‘Action Against Cancer’ Cowm Reservoir 5K event on Tuesday May 1.

It starts at 7pm from the Cock and Magpies, Cockhall Lane, Whitworth OL12 8BJ. Entry fee is £4 to affiliated, £5 unaffiliated, with an extra £1 on the night.

Contact Andy O’Sullivan on 01706 750620 for more details or at info@andermsrunners.co.uk