ABOUT 1,000 runners will stride out in Knavesmire Harriers' Brass Monkey Half Marathon on Sunday, January 27.

This year's event, which starts at 10am from Knavesmire, York, includes the North Yorkshire Championships.

Ian Fisher (Otley AC), the course record holder, will be back after racing commitments prevented him from running last year, while Emma Latto (Herne Hill Harriers) is back to defend the title she won last year.

The race limit was reached last month so entry is now closed with no entries on the day.

The race will start at York Racecourse and head out to Bishopthorpe, following the main road and most direct route to Whinny Hills. A left turn will take competitors towards Acaster Selby and then right towards Appleton Roebuck, through the village and back to Whinny Hlls. From there runners will retrace their steps through Bishopthorpe and back to the racecourse.

Prize-giving will start at 12.30pm.

Updated: 12:21 Friday, January 11, 2002