The fifth annual John Dukes Memorial 5K Road Race will take place once again on Boxing Day morning, starting at 10.00am from The Cowherds on Southampton Common.

There is no specific entry fee but a donation on the day - a recommended £2 - will be gratefully accepted with all the proceeds going to specialist children's charities.

The race was originally inaugurated in memory of John Dukes, a highly respected and popular top-graded Hampshire time-keeper. It has established itself as a popular calendar event for runners and joggers alike, all keen to work off a little of their Christmas fare.

There is no special standard required to run the two-lap course and, for many, it will mark the beginning of a fresh resolution to get fit in 2002.