Courier Country residents are being encouraged to sign up for a post festive detox for charity prior to overindulging this year.
The challenge to ban the booze in January 2016 is to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Dryathlon takes place in the new year but the charity is urging people across the region to sign up now before the festive season gets into full swing.
After the party season the fundraising campaign invites social drinkers to take a month-long break from alcohol.
‘Dryathletes’ can either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to the cause.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “It may be the start of the festive party season, but we’re encouraging people to commit to ditching the drink for one month now, so they’re ready and raring to go come January 1.
“Despite what people might think going dry doesn’t have to be dull.
“We’re asking people to give up the sauce, not their social life, and there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy 31 hangover free days.
“So whatever tickles your fancy this New Year; from mischief making to cake baking, learning to knit or an excuse to get fit, we’re encouraging people to jump aboard the sober express and embrace a month with one less sin whilst raising money to help beat cancer sooner.
“When we call time at the bar this January 1, we hope people will proudly put down their pints and get ready to take on a month of fun and frolics without the morning after regrets.”
Last year £605,159 was raised for life-saving research through the Dryathlon challenge.
Supporters can register to take part in Dryathlon as individuals or set up a team and get their friends, colleagues or relatives involved to motivate each other along the way.
And for those who find the one month challenge a bit daunting, there’s the ‘tipple tax’ which allows Dryathletes to donate a £20 penalty for each time they fall off the wagon.
One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.
Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
To take on Dryathlon in January, visit www.dryathlon.org.