A NEW series of adventure racing - a score-orienteering sport completed by foot and mountain bike - starts in 2005 in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

UK adventure racer and outdoor instructor James Thurlow, who has set up his base in Backbarrow, Ulverston, is launching the Open5 Series and Open24 Adventure Race through his new company Open Adventure.

The Open5 series will be a quartet of five-hour score events for solos and pairs in the Dales (March 13), South Lakes (May 22), North Pennines (October 16) and Central Lakes (December 4).

For the more adventurous there is the Open24, a non-stop 24-hour event at the end of July, somewhere in North-West England (July 30-31).

James says: "The events will feature some new areas to adventure racing with all locations selected primarily for their ability to offer superb mountain biking and running with challenging navigation."

The style of the events will be slightly different to many races with checkpoints ready marked on maps. The entry fee is £15 per person.

In mid summer the 24-hour continuous event (no support crew required), will also be held in the North West.

Although the event is only open to pairs, the event will, says James, also feature rope sections, canoeing and a few other surprises' to make the seasoned racer smile.

Details of the Open5 series and Open24 events are available on the new website at: www.openadventure.com