SERIOUS and fun runners took to the streets of Accrington to compete in the annual 10k road race on Sunday.
A strong field of 342 runners finished the 6.2 mile run which took in Huncoat, Altham, Clayton-Le-Moors and finished at Highams Playing fields in blustery conditions.
An outsider won the event - James Metcalf from York in 34 minutes and 48 seconds.
But not far behind was Phil Hall from Clayton-le Moors Harriers in second place in 35.08.
Last year’s race winner Aaron Hargreaves valiantly finished in sixth place showing the Blackburn Harrier has made a welcome recovery from his sudden cardiac arrest trauma which happened earlier this year.
The first Accrington Road Runner to cross the line - with the club organising the 22nd running of the event - was John Wieczorer in 39.17.
Leading the ladies home was former Commonwealth Games middle distance runner Kerry Gillibrand who raced home in 41.14.
The former Great Britain runner, from Accrington, now competes for Lancashire Constabulary.
But she was pushed all the way by Pendle AC’s Katie Trickett who was just behind Kerry in 36th place in 41.20.
The highest ranked Hyndburn lady finisher was Under 20 Josie Holdsworth of Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.
Michael Smith from Bingley Harriers was the first Veteran 65 in 27th place in 39.59 while the oldest competitor was Lou Gillhurst from Valley Striders who, at over 75, came home in 53.53.
The final runner to cross the line was unattached E Fitzpatrick who completed the undulating course in one hour 12 minutes and 50 seconds.
As well as club runners, various teams took part including one from Energie Fitness and a team from Enfield Cricket Club.
The Enfield CC team were made up of players and supporters and included their Zimbabwean pro Gary Brent who swapped his whites for his shorts and finished in a creditable time of 46.37.
All nine team members - including captain David Bracewell - completed the course in less than an hour.
Accrington RR would like to thank retiring Race Director and Committee member Gerry Bunn, Accrington Traffic Control Police, all the race marshalls and race sponsors Kerching, supported by Tony Bolton Sports.
