MORE than 300 runners were put through their paces in the rain when the annual Accrington 10k run took place.

There has been a slight change of base - with the registration and finish now at Accrington Cricket Club - but runners still turned up in their numbers with the rain failing to dampen their enthusiasm.

The event, organised by Accrington Road Runners, was won by Steve Littler from Wesham Road Runners who completed the 6.1 mile course in 33 minutes and 53 seconds - a minute ahead of his nearest rival.

Accrington-based Lee Passco, who runs for Blackburn Harriers, was third in 35.59 over the testing course which goes through Huncoat, up to Clayton, past Accrington Stanley FC and back around to the cricket club.

The first Clayton-Le-Moors Harrier home was Barry Brock in 10th place in 38.21 and he was also the first Veteran 40.

Unattached runner Joshua Casey, 21, finished fifth in 37.12 while another unattached athlete David Alexander clocked an impressive 38.18 with the 30-year-old expected to sign up to Accrington Road Runners soon.

The first female home was Leanne Sheehy from Leigh Harriers, who is Under 19 and finished in 38.56 and in 16th place overall.

Katie Trickett was the first Clayton Lady home in 42.15.

While these were the top finishers, the event was more about the people taking part, raising money for charity and putting themselves through the distance for the first time.

One lady raised £400 for the ‘Save Our Stanley’ fighting fund while the race was run in memory of Maureen Hartley, a former Accrington Road Runner, with the £300 going to the International Cancer Research.

For a full list of results go to www.accrington-road-runners.co.uk.