One of the highlight events of the Manx athletics calendar takes place on New Year’s Day with the annual David Cretney-sponsored St John’s Fell Race.

The event will start at 1.30pm, with registration from 12.15pm at St John’s FC clubhouse. There will also be online entry at the Manx Fell Runners website.

Anyone aged 12 or over on the day of the race can enter. Fancy dress is encouraged but please be aware that the race is run under FRA rules so nothing too extreme!

The start and finish will be in the Peel and St John’s cricket field (Mullen-e-Cloie) which is adjacent to the football ground, where there are changing and loo facilities. Please stay well clear of the playing areas on both grounds.

There is plenty of parking available at the football club, the old railway station car park on Station Road and the DEFA car park on the Hope road. Please park carefully.

All competitors are strongly advised to carry a waterproof jacket. This will be compulsory if the weather conditions are extreme.

A reminder that headphones of any description are banned from all fell and hill races.

The 5km course includes 275 metres of ascent and will be fully marked, providing an exciting challenge to start the New Year.

The race will also incorporate the opening round of the Junior Fell Running League which will be held over the short races in this year’s league. Again, minimum age 12 years. More details to follow.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in the football clubhouse, where the bar will be open. Entry fee is £5 with all proceeds being donated to the Ramsey Pier Restoration. All other donations accepted.

l Round four of Northern AC’s Ramsey Bakery-sponsored Firemen’s Road Running Series takes place on Thursday, January 4, starting from Ramsey Fire Station at 7pm. Sign on from 6pm, a choice of one lap (1.7 miles) or three laps (five miles). All runners must wear hi-vis clothing.