CLAYTON-le-Moors Harrier Andy Stubbs was the highest placed local runner, finished fourth of 278 runners in the annual Accrington 10k Road Race. He raced home in a time of 33mins 45 seconds with just 30 seconds separating the top four. Lee Passco, of Hyndburn AC, finished fifth, in 34.04.
The race, which started at Higham Playing fields at 10am on Sunday, was won by Stephen Murdoch of Border Harriers in 33.15. Accrington Road Runner Graham Collinge was the first male veteran 45 in 35 minutes dead, and Accrington's Ken Rishton was third vet 50 in 40.25. Clayton-le-Moors men's trio of Stubbs, Paul Targett and John Roche won the team prize and Accrington Road runners were second with Collinge, John Wierczorek and Brent Hoggan.
But the ladies went one better for Accrington Road Runners to win the team event. Nicola Wood finished in 44.04; Donna Beardmore in 44.17 and Sarah Clarke in 48.11 to clinch the ladies prize. The female overall winner was Sarah Scarrott of Chorley Harriers in 38.57 with first local Anna Kelly of Clayton Harriers in 42.07.
This year's race was dedicated to the memory of Donald O'Rourke, former member and club official of Clayton Harriers and Accrington Road Runners. Both clubs paid their respects with the large number of entries - more than 300 originally entered - and Donald's sons Michael and Martin, both of Clayton Harriers, took part in the race. Michael, a vet 40, finished in 39.35 with Martin finishing in 48.50.
