MARK Horrocks' usual positive approach almost paid off in the Three Peaks Fell Race, as he finished second to former British and English Champion Mark Croasdale in the 24-mile classic.

Gary Wilkinson was fourth less than a fortnight after running the Everest Marathon and Lancashire champion Kath Wallis was the winning veteran, finishing third lady behind two British champions.

Horrocks, recognising Croasdale as his main rival, took the initiative from the start and had opened a gap at the top of Pen-y-Ghent. He held his advantage on the long run to Whernside, but that was into a headwind. He paid the price for his quick start as he was caught on the climb and it was Croasdale who was first to the summit.

By the bottom the pair were together again, but as they hit the tarmac, Croasdale, an accomplished road runner, went away. Horrocks cut the gap on the final climb up Ingleborough spurred by the knowledge that Croasdale had tied up in the final stages in 1993.

This time he was strong enough though and held on to win by 40 seconds. For Horrocks in second, and third-placed Andy Schofield (Borrowdale), it was a repeat of last year's result.

Gary Wilkinson took a late decision to run after picking up a stomach virus following his Everest trip. He had a splendid run, but unsurprisingly tired in the latter stages just managing to cling to fourth by four seconds as three chasers all finished with a minute of him. Among them were Graham Schofield, the former Blackburn Harrier taking first in the veteran class. Clayton Harriers with a large contingent took team honours in both the men's and ladies races. For the men the winning team included Horrocks, Wilkinson, Dave Nuttall (9th) and Lee Thompson (10th). The only women ahead of the Clayton trio Kath Wallis (3rd), Alison Martin (4th) and Bev McWade (5th) were Angela Mudge and Sarah Rowell who between them have won the last four British Championships. Mudge, who won the race finished 11th overall in a field of 500, and was actually fifth after the first climb.

Clayton's veteran men were second to Horwich with a team of Kieran Carr, Brian Horrocks and Graham Cunliffe. Carr was also third vet-50, Pete McWade, who holds the course record at vet-40 and vet-50 was fourth over 50, and Ross Jaques was second over 60. Dave Scott from Clayton ran his 33rd Three Peaks, taking him to within five of the all-time record.

Results - Men: 1 Mark Croasdale (Bingley) 3:04.48, 2 Mark Horrocks (Clayton) 3:05.39, 3 Andy Schofield (Borrowdale) 3:07.33, 4 Gary Wil kinson (Clayton) 3:14.51, 5 Jason Hemsley (Ilkley) 3:14.55, 7 (first vet-40) Graham Schofield (Horwich) 3:15.36, 9 Dave Nuttall (Clayton) 3:17.42, 10 Lee Thompson (Clayton) 3:19.46. Team: 1 Clayton (Horrocks, Wilkinson, Nuttall, Thompson). Ladies: 1 (11th overall) Angela Mudge (Carnethy) 3:20.17, 2 (21st) Sarah Rowell (Pudsey & Bramley) 3:27.16, 3 (107th and firsst vet) Kath Wallis (Clayton) 4:01.59, 4 (126th) Alison Martin (Clayton) 4:07.58, 5 (129th) Bev McWade (Clayton) 4:08.20. Team: 1 Clayton (Wallis, Martin, McWade).

East Lancs - Clayton: 15 Anthony Waterworth 3:25.43, 18 Andy Orr 3:26.25, 20 Dave Gregory 3:27.09, 23 Alan Life 3:29.48, 28 (third vet-50) Kieran Carr 3:33.16, 40 Brian Horrocks 3:38.29, 41 Dave Walker 3:39.04, 44 Matthew Carr 3:39.15, 54 Graham Cunliffe 3:43.16, 64 A Taylor 3:47.17, 69 (fourth vet-50) Peter McWade 3:49.43, 94 Roger Hargreaves 3:58.24, 95 Nigel Clarke 3:58.32, 101 Ross Jaques (2nd vet-60) 4:00.32, 102 Martin Brady 4:00.38, 104 Dave Scott 4:01.35, 105 John Wiezorek 4:01.37, 117 John Sharples 4:06.04.

Todmorden: 14 Jon Wright 3:25.14, 51 Steve Brandwood 3:42.34.

Accrington RR: 112 David McDonagh 4:02.37.

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