Top West female marathon runner Lucy MacAlister will line up alongside Paula Radcliffe in the New York marathon tomorrow.

The 30-year-old international from Wellington is currently fifth in the UK rankings after running a personal best of 2:36.27 to win the Austin marathon in Texas last February, and while she certainly won't win on her debut in the Big Apple she has high hopes.

"My recent personal bests in the Twickenham 10k (34:17) and Bristol half marathon (74:35) were very encouraging and I am hoping to run under 2hrs 35mins," said MacAlister.

"It is my first time in New York and I'm really looking forward to it. It will be great running with the elite women like Paula and the atmosphere should be fantastic."

Bristol & West AC send strong junior teams to the English Cross Country relay Championships, in Mansfield, today.

For both Under-20s teams this event has been one of the main targets of the winter and they definitely have top six potential and maybe even a medal," said team manager Mike Down.

Team Bath AC stage the Victoria Park 4 miles road race today (11am), held over five laps on traffic-free roads around Royal Victoria Park. Entries will be accepted on the day and for further details log on to the race website at: www.cityofbathac.org

Organisers of the Ilminster Lions 10k road race are expecting close to 300 runners for tomorrow's charity event.

The race, which is held over a one-lap scenic country route, starts from the Market Square of the south Somerset town (10.30am) with registration at Greenfylde School. Entries will be taken on the day with a £1 supplement.

For further details log on to the race website at: www.ilminsterlionsclub.co.uk

For multi-terrain fans Avon Valley Runners stage their popular Over The Hills 12k event from Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, on Sunday (10am). No entries will be taken on the day so to register call Joyce Field (tel: 01373 859640) or go to the race website at: www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk

Gillingham Trotters host the Gillingham 7.5 miles road race tomorrow from Wye Primary School in the Dorset town.

For entry details log on to the event website at: www.gillinghamtrotters.talktalk.net