Two Fylde road races are the only running events in Lancashire to make it into the Runner's World Website top 50 runs.

Readers rated the Freckleton half marathon ninth in the UK -- beating the Flora London Marathon -- while Wesham 10k scooped the 27th spot, ahead of such well-known events as Cumbria's Coniston 14 half marathon.

Runs were rated on such factors as atmosphere and organisation, and all of the runners who voted for the Fylde events said they would take part again.

Brian Porter, race director and member of Wesham Road Runners (WRR) club, said he was 'delighted' with the news.

He added: "I try to put on an event that gives a fast course for people who want to win in fast times. But I also try to put on friendly events that welcome newcomers, and all abilities, and make the event a fun day out and one that people would want to repeat."

And on the WRR's website, its editor Brenda Earnshaw, congratulated Brian on 'a job well done', and wrote: "Thanks to the hard work, dedication and attention to detail in organising the Wesham 10k and the Freckleton Half, Brian Porter has brought the name of these races and Wesham Road Runners to the attention of the running world."

Freckleton half marathon -- the oldest half marathon in the UK -- takes place on June 18. The Wesham 10K, now in its 21st year, will take place on November 25. Log on to www.weshamroadrunners.com for more details.