Athletics with Andy McAllister

CLAYTON Harriers took a one-two-three when one of East Lancashire's most spectacular road races was revived after a three year break. The Pendle Hill Challenge was won by Gary Wilkinson who recorded 46:37. Anthony Waterworth was just six seconds in arrears after a stiff eight miles while Andrew Hartley finished a distant third.

The race was run in the wettest conditions ever known as tropical storm-like rain meant conditions during the race proved as testing as the course itself. That Vanessa Peacock should break the ladies course record in such conditions underlines her splendid form which was further emphasised by her 11th place overall. Runner up Kath Drake had travelled from Spenborough to attempt a 5th victory, but in the end was soundly beaten by nearly four minutes. Tina Lewis from Clayton was third winning the L35 division, while Jennifer Adams of Northern Vets and Val Lawson of Clayton won the L50 and L55 classes.

Clayton runners Mick Green, David Waterworth and Roger Hargreaves in 6th, 7th and 8th places were the men's age group winners while supervets Jimmy Nolan from Great Harwood and Clayton's Ted Orrell were the M55 and M60 winners. Organiser Alan Smith who resurrected the event as part of Padiham Sport's Club's Millennium celebrations anticipates that it will remain in the running calendar.