THE torrential rain and the early start didn't stop 383 runners putting their best foot forward in the annual Accrington 10k road race.

In awful weather, a mixture of club runners and fun runners lined up outside the Whitakers Arms pubs at 10am to tackle the undulating course.

It was the 19th annual running of the event and it was a tremendous turnout considering the shocking weather which meant there was to be no record breaking times.

But it didn't dampen the spirits of the runners with all but one finishing the race - and that was down to a knee injury.

The winner was Paul Freary from Bolton's Foot Traffic Club in a fast -for-the-conditions time of 33 minutes and one second.

But plenty of local runners featured in the higher placings, especially Clayton-le-Moor Harriers Aaron Hargreaves who was 33 seconds behind the winner in second spot.

Scott Monk (Blackburn Harriers) was fourth in 34.18 while Accrington Road Runner Graham Collinge - from the promoting club - finished in seventh spot in 34.50 and was the first veteran home - he is a vet 45.

Andy Hartley and Lee Passco from Clayton Harriers finished in ninth and tenth place respectively to help Clayton clinch the men's team award.

The first lady to brave the conditions and cross the line was Kate Burge from Stafford Harriers who was 29th overall and finished in 37.46.

Tracy Mitchell from Clayton Harriers and Accrington Road Runners Nicola Wood were fourth and sixth respectively (84th and 108th overall).

And Clayton made it a double by winning the ladies team award thanks to Tracy, Donna Riley and Dany Robson.

In the junior category, Shane Russell from Rossendale Harriers was the male winner in 39.35 while Katie Morris, from Blackburn Harriers, was the first junior female across the line in 45.45.

Accrington RR were grateful to the race sponsors "Twenty4 Sports" of Darwen and the race was also supported by "Tony Bolton Sports" of Baxenden. And their thanks also went to Accrington Police (Traffic Branch) for their support in controlling the traffic at the start and during the race.

The marshals also got a big thank you as they, despite many being dripping wet, still offered encouragement to every runner.

Accrington RR were also pleased that Andy O'Sullivan MBE survived the rainfall to give a running commentary on the race.

For full results see www.accrington-road-runners.co.uk .