PETER Butterworth of Clayton Harriers and Clitheroe's Jennifer Adams gave East Lancashire a double first at the popular Wesham 10k, near Kirkham.

The two veterans each proved unbeatable in the over 45 age group with Peter finishing 14th overall in 34.33, and Jennifer, who runs for Red Rose Road Runners, recording 42.32 to finish eighth lady.

For the third year in succession the race was fully subscribed, but in a field of over 300 runners Clayton Harriers still managed four in the first 15. Mark Brown, currently on top form, was fifth in 33.04, Graham Cunliffe third M40 took 11th and with Butterworth 14th and another over 40, Alan Clarkson 15th, three veterans were covered by less than 20 seconds. Further down the field there was more success for the club as Doug Brown finished third over 60.

Race winner Steven Simpson led Blackpool and Fylde to the team prize ahead of Clayton, Wigan's Debra Curley ran out an easy winner in the ladies race and Alex Rowe, captain of host club Wesham Road Runners took veteran honours.

There was another excellent turnout by Blackburn Road Runners, once again providing the largest East Lancashire entry. Nineteen racers took part with the clamour for club championship points gathering pace as the year draws to a close. Last year's champions Ray Moulding and Freda Southworth boosted their hopes with high finishes, Ray was third M65 while Freda was second L55. Meanwhile, current leader Norma Smith was second L50 and Eileen Peat kept her bid on track with third L50. Darwen Dashers was another local club present in large numbers with 13 first claimers and Blackburn Road Runner Tony Martin who claims 'dual nationality'. They were racing in the President's Challenge, a mini club championship which ends at the Guy's 10-miler this weekend. Highest finisher was club captain Nev Rickard, 19th in a rapid 35.16 on his return from honeymoon. Andrew Smith, Pete O'Callaghan and Vinney Brookes were also comfortably inside 40 minutes.

Blackburn athlete Mark Schooling, who runs for Chorley Harriers, split the Clayton boys to finish 12th and his team-mate Jeannette Coleman was second L40. Mark Theaker (27th) was the highest placed Accrington Road Runner, Terry Robinson was third M50. Former Blackburn Harrier Bill Atkinson was second over 60.

Results - Men: 1 Steven Simpson (Blackpool & Fylde) 31.30, 2 Darren Hale (Rotherham) 31.42, 3k JOnathon Prowse (Blackpool & Fylde) 31.50, 4 (1st M40) Alex Rowe (Wesham RR) 32.50, 5 Mark Brown (Clayton) 33.04, 11 (3rd M40) Graham Cunliffe (Clayton) 34.29, 12 Mark Schooling (Chorley Harriers), 14 (1st M45) Peter Butterworth (Clayton) 34.33, 15 Alan Clarkson (Clayton) 34.47, 19 Nev Rickard (Darwen Dashers) 35.16.

Ladies: 1 (49th overall) Debra Curley (Wigan Phoenix) 37.24, 2 (61st 1st L35) Philippa Walsh (Preston) 38.25, 3 (71st) Gail Hope (Blackpool & Fylde) 39.27, 8 (110th 1st L45) Jennifer Adams (Red Rose) 42.32, 9 (115th 2nd L40) Jeannette Coleman (Chorley Harriers) 42.55. East Lancs - Accrington RR: 27 Mark Theaker 35.53, 62 (3rd M50) Terry Robinson 38.31, 282 Alan Waite 54.07.

Darwen Dashers: 31 Andrew Smith 36.17, 46 Pete O'Callaghan 37.11, 57 Vinney Brookes 38.06, 76 Shane Gudgeon 40.17, 87 John Sirkett 40.58, 94 Simon Fox 41.37, 126 Dave Shorrock 43.44, 171 Sam Fitzpatrick 46.19, 213 Susan Corsins 48.22, 223 Jim Taylor 48.55, 226 Sheila Gudgeon 49.11, 233 Linda Clarkson 49.35, 290 Catherine Kirby 54.55.

Clayton: 34 Steve Green 36.25, 108 (3rd M60) Doug Brown 42.29, 143 Richard Lawson 44.37, 276 Val Lawson 53.46.

Blackburn RR: 48 Julian Markham 37.22, 125 Mick Chimejczuk 43.38, 135 Tony Martin 44.11, 137 Ronnie Smith 44.17, 138 Sandra Snape 44.18, 139 John Schofield 44.27, 189 (3rd M65) Ray Moulding 47.05, 196 Michelle Holden 47.22, 199 Adrian Batson 47.34, 218 Heidi Kettle 48.43, 234 Elaine Kemp 49.36, 237 Claire Eastwood 49.43, 252 (2nd L50) Norma Smith 50.57, 260 Julie Walmsley 52.17, 261 Idoia Rodriguez 52.18, 262 (3rd L50) Eileen Peat 52.25, 265 (2nd L55) Freda Southworth 52.44, 281 Anne Harwood 54.03, 288 Dougie Joss 54.37.

Chorley Harriers: 60 Chris Cowley 38.16, 92 William Smith 41.34, 131 John Townson 43.55, 147 Martin Harrington 44.52, 200 Daryl Peter 47.37, 208 Mike Ogle 48.10, 209 John McDonald 48.10.

Blackburn Harriers: 91 Peter Lovick 41.30, 230 Crole Kay 49.32, 240 Ian Kay 50.01.

West Pennine: 124 William Fogg 43.35, 269 Ken Sibbering 53.06.

Chorley AC: 123 Adrian Fairhurst 43.34.

Northern Vets: 80 Bill Atkinson 40.37.

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