THE countdown is on until the whistle is blown to mark the first race of the Kendal Winter League Series.

Races begin on Sunday January 4 on Scout Scar in Kendal before taking in routes including Birkrigg Common, Sedbergh School, Cautley Spout and Helm Hill until the season draws to a conclusion in March.

The event is sponsored by Kendal-based painting and decorating business Different Strokes.

All entrants will be eligible to win one of two special spot prizes, for the design and painting of a room to the value of £600.

The company is also giving away free paint on all internal jobs booked during the series.

All races are flagged and open to anybody. Senior race distances range from two to five miles and from hard cross-country to gnarly fells.

"I am a keen runner and wanted to put something back into running and sport in the area, and hopefully help inspire young athletes," said Robert Crawford, managing director of Different Strokes.

Visit www.helmhill.co.uk/index.php/races for a full fixture list and for information on how to register.