ATHLETICS: YOUNGSTERS inspired by Paula Radcliffe's impressive distance running achievements should head for Ellesmere Port tomorrow.

West Cheshire AC are hosting the first round of their open junior cross-country series of events at Whitby Park (10am start).

The fixture is the first of four events organised in a bid to encourage youngsters under 15 to take an interest in middle-distance running.

The programme of races will come under starter's orders with Under 11s followed by U13s and then U15s.

Entry is 50p and organisers urge entrants to arrive no later than 9.30am to sign up for their respective races.

Other dates in the junior cross-country series are Saturdays, December 13; February 14; and March 6.

Further details are available from Dennis Wall, on (0151) 201 1254 (evenings only).

Adult runners may be wanting to sort out a winter training schedule. The current programme run by West Cheshire AC from the Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, on a Tuesday night is suitable for beginners and others who want to improve.

The sessions take place around Chester and vary in distance and route, but share the common goal of running in the winter months in company, as the sessions involve mixed-pace abilities with the slowest off first and the fastest last over various lengths of effort.

The principal used ensures that all runners reassemble at the end of each effort before jogging to the next.

This is an ideal way to incorporate a multi-speed session into a training programme. So, if you want to prepare now for the next Chester Half Marathon or the London Marathon, you need to act now.

The West Cheshire AC training sessions would help you get fitter, run faster, and generate more for your charity.

Monthly training bulletins will be published soon to help you prepare alongside other interested distance runners.

Anyone wanting to join the WCAC training sessions should gather at Upton, Chester, on Tuesdays, at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Details from Dennis Wall on 0151 201 1254.

Ken Begley spearheaded West Cheshire AC's charge at Sefton Park in the second round of the Liverpool and District Cross-Country League.

He clocked 34 minutes 8 seconds to secure 14th position, behind winner Richard Burney, representing Liverpool Harriers, who posted 31.29.

Graham Jenkins was West Cheshire AC's next man home, finishing 25th in 35.37; ahead of Paul Frodsham (30th in 35.55); Andrew Clague (39th in 36.32); Paul Price (56th in 37.49); John McGill (89th in 41.51); Alan Cooper (102nd in 42.48); and Mike Lamb (134th in 47.47).

Four West Cheshire AC juniors competed in the Reebok Cross-Country Challenge Races at Sefton Park. Kelly Money posted 11.38 for 71st spot in the U15 girls' race, while Rebecca Grimes (51st in 12.01), Zarah Hodder (69th in 13.17) and Lauren Money (78th in 14.00) competed in the U13 girls' event.

West Cheshire AC road runners will be attempting to retain top spot in the Borders Road Men's League Division One fixture this Sunday.

They started the series with a victory at Deestriders earlier this month, and the club are looking for another successful result at Mold (11am start).

Members of West Cheshire AC are reminded that their club's annual general meeting will take place at Bishops' High School, Chester, tonight (7.30pm start).

Entries are now being accepted for the Chester Round The Walls Races to be held on Boxing Day from Chester Racecourse (11am start). Further details from Brian Hastings on 01244 311908.

Any West Cheshire AC member wanting to compete in the Cheshire County AA Cross-Country Championships, at Winsford, on Saturday, January 3, and/or the North of England AA Cross-Country Championships, at Sherdley Park, St Helens, on Saturday, January 24, should contact either Dennis Wall on 0151 201 1254, or Mike Lamb, on 0151 355 2520, as soon as possible.

Further details about West Cheshire AC can be obtained from Dennis Wall (evenings).

Helsby RC members lined up with some of the country's top athletes for the Reebok Cross-Country Challenge in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Graham McAra led in 66th place in 38.54, followed by Kathryn Roberts 91st in 41.53, Andy Smith 113th in 43.44, Vanessa Griffiths 123rd in 44.38, Rachel Arnold 132nd in 46.04 and Joe Beswick 140th in 52.15.