NEXT year's Bupa Great North Run has been put back a week to avoid a clash with the rearranged Ryder Cup.

The run, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 29, will now be held on October 6 after the postponement of the Ryder Cup until next year prompted organisers Nova International to review the situation.

Spokesman David Hart said: "There was no pressure from anyone for us to change our planned date.

"Indeed at one stage before this year's race, October 6 was favoured by many organisations involved in the logistics of putting together the Great North Run.

"However both the Ryder Cup and our event, of which we are very proud, are major occasions in the British sporting calendar and realistically it would be pointless for them to clash. After careful consideration and consultation with authorities who assist in the staging of the run, we believe it will actually benefit in 2002, as many potential runners will have returned from their summer holidays."

Details of how to enter for next year's Bupa Great North Run can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope (minimum A5 size) to: 2002 BUPA Great North Run, PO Box 1RY, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1RY or from the website www.onrunning.com