Sunday was a day of records for Radcliffe Athletic Club.

Their 12 mile Annual Trail Race attracted the largest ever field and winner Michael Aspinall posted the fastest ever time.

Aspinall's victory in 1:07:32 was by an emphatic three minute margin, and it would have given the hosts a home win - except that Michael resigned from the club on the morning of the race.

He is studying at Lancaster University, and after serving Radcliffe for several years, he will be joining Lancaster and Morecambe AC.

Top of our locals was Thornton Taylor of Rossendale Harriers who took fifth in 1:12:41.

Not only was he the leading over 45, but he also beat the best of the over 40s to cross the line as the leading veteran. Elder brother Ken almost emulated him by finishing second in the over 55 class, but there was another class winner for Dale with Gerard Navan heading the over 60s in 1:30:21.

Among the non-veterans, Steven Blakelock was sixth in 1:15:12 while Paul White took 18th.

Clayton Harriers' strength was in the women's race where Candice Leah was second and Dany Robson seventh.

Candice clocked 1:26:47, a deficit of two minutes on winner Monique Hollinshead from Dewsbury. Best of the club's men were Martin Terry in 14th and Jeff Pickup 21st.

The race is in its eighth year and follows tracks through a nature trail. The first 4.5 miles follows the course of the river, but after crossing to return it loops around a disused railway and the remains of the Bury and Bolton Canal.

Todmorden Harriers swelled the field by choosing this interesting event as a Club Championship race and there was a battle for the domestic honours with less than two minutes separating the first three Tod athletes.

Simon Anderton was top dog in 17th with Dave Collins 22nd and Keith Parkinson 25th.

With the race reaching the 200 limit, club funds with be boosted by £400 - £500, which will be especially welcome as two of their other four annual events are for charity.

Next on the calendar is a Ten Kilometre Road Race on April 25, while the next trail races, over 6.5 miles and 5km, will both be held in August.

Finally there is a Five Mile Trail Race on the Sunday after Christmas.