Martin Harrington and Shane Gudgeon are the epitome of the club stalwart, the heart and soul of their respective clubs Chorley Harriers and Darwen Dashers.

As well as chairing their organisations, they have something else in common - their love for the marathon event.

A couple of weeks ago they were both taking part in the Snowdonia event, generally accepted as one of the toughest around, and by a strange co-incidence it was the tenth time each had run the race.

"There were almost hurricane winds and lashing rain battered the runners from the start. It was the worst conditions I can remember except for when they cancelled it three years ago" claimed Gudgeon.

"I know I'm getting slower," said Harrington. "But this year's race was one of the toughest.

"We had driving rain before the start and running up Llanberis Pass there were headlong winds pushing us backwards.

However, I was really pleased with how I ran before the big ascent of Waunfawr where the majority have to walk."

Rossendale Harrier Phil Taylor produced a brilliant time of 3:01:33 to finish second over 45 and 12th outright while the Darwen based Carmen Anthony was sixth woman in 3:29:56 less than ten minutes behind the winner.

Over 40 veteran Shane came home in 3:34:57, a handful of seconds behind club-mate Gary Taylor, while over 50 Martin crossed the line in 4:34:44.

With the autumn season of marathons in full swing, Chorley Harriers Malc Christie and Gareth Booth took part in the Dublin event, and the pair enjoyed a good dual throughout.

Gareth was ahead until Malc passed him at 21 miles.

Running in his first marathon for 10 years, he clocked 2:54:33 as Booth set a personal best of 2:55:59.