Preparations for the annual Nos Galan Races in Mountain Ash are off the starting blocks.

The hugely popular event will be held on December 31, 2009, in Mountain Ash and the Nos Galan committee - the team behind the event - discussed issues such as policing, entry fees and street entertainment, at their most recent meeting.

Local ward councillor and committee member Andrew Morgan said: "Though Nos Galan is an event held on one night, there are many months of preparation behind the scenes.

"Every year the committee reflects on the previous year's races and looks to improve and build on their success. More than 1,000 runners registered for last year's event and the races attracted nearly 9,000 spectators. Nos Galan certainly is alive and well in Mountain Ash more than 50 years after it first started."

Cllr Paul Cannon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, said: "The event was in decline until 2004 but at that point a new development plan was put in place and a new committee set up with local residents, business people, Communities First, Aberdare Amateur Athletics and the local ward councillor.

"Since then, the number of race entries and spectators has almost trebled and the event is now firmly secured for the future. Nos Galan is one of the highlights of our annual events calendar, has a fantastic atmosphere and brings thousands of people into Mountain Ash every New Year's Eve. It really is something to be proud of."

The Nos Galan Races, which honour legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran, follow a 5km route around Mountain Ash, with competitions for elite runners and also adults, boys and girls categories.

Every year a mystery runner takes part in the races and their identity is not revealed until the night. Last year, organisers were delighted to welcome Linford Christie OBE - the Olympic 100m champion and Europe's greatest ever 100m sprinter. Previous mystery runners have included Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Ron Jones and Nicole Cooke and the Nos Galan committee now has the task of deciding on a mystery runner for 2009.

Sponsors already signed up so far for this year's races are Springfield Soft Drinks, Run&Become, Darran Las Communities First, Fernhill and Glenboi Communities First. Companies interested in sponsoring Nos Galan or advertising in the race programme should call 01443 425631

To find out more about Nos Galan or view race times and photos from last year, go to www.nosgalan.co.uk