A NEAR record entry of 447 runners lined-up for the start of the Accrington 10km Road Race on Sunday.
The race, organised by Accrington Road Runners, was the 18th annual running of the event which starts at Burnley Road and takes in Huncoat, Altham and Clayton to finish at Higham's Playing fields.
It was almost perfect running conditions for the race - which is just over six miles - as it was cool and dry.
And this ensured some fast times with local runners in the higher placings.
The race was won by Chorley Harriers' star Keilty Johnston in 33 minutes and 20 seconds but not so far behind was Blackburn Harriers runner Scott Monk who was fourth in 33 minutes 56 seconds.
He was closely followed by Accrington RR's over 45 star, Graham Collinge who clocked 34.08.
Next in sixth place was Hyndburn AC's Lee Passco (34.35) who had two Clayton-le-Moors Harriers on his tail.
Dave Gregory (34.56) and Aaron Hargreaves (35.01) finished seventh and eighth.
The first lady home was Sarah Scarrott of Chorley Harriers in 38.33 while the first local junior was 18-year-old Simon Cottam (Sportlife).
He won the Under 20 category in 42.32.
One of Accrington's famous sons took part in the race - the legendary Ron Hill, now running in the over 65 male vet category.
Ron still runs all over the world and his next race is later this month in Monaco. Ron presented flowers to Helen Goodwin, the retiring Accrington RR committee members.
The event was sponsored by Re-hab - Hair, Beauty and Tanning studio - in Read Village and a sum of money was also donated to the East Lancashire Hospice.
LEADING RESULTS: 1st K Johnston (Chorley Harriers) 33.20; 2nd S Murdoch (Bordner Harriers M 40) 33.40; 3 G Whellams (salford Harriers M40) 33.45; 4 S Monk (Blackburn Harriers) 33.56; 5 G Collinge (Accrington RR M45) 34.08.
Women: S Scarrott (Chorley Harriers) 38.33; 2 J jackson (Northern Vets W45) 40.06; 3 S McVeigh (Cumberland AC W45) 41-05.
