ONE of the oldest races in Lancashire – The Sweatshop Dressers Arms Through the Villages Race – attracted a bumper entry for the 30th anniversary run.

The hugely popular race, which went under starter’s orders from the Dressers Arms, Wheelton, saw 286 runners go to post.

David Rigby, from Preston Harriers, was the winner of the race in 47 minutes and seven seconds.

Blackburn Harriers were well represented, with two of their top road athletes finishing well inside the top 20.

Mark Blaney completed the race in eighth place, clocking 50mins 2secs while Christopher Davies was just five places behind in 51mins 26 secs.

Vet Derek Reilly, from Darwen Dashers, produced a splendid run to finish 16th in 54mins 18secs with Accrington Road Runner Paul Gallagher (M50) home in 21st position, with a time of 54mins 53 secs.

Trawden were well represented, and Chris Quigley (MV40) was just a place behind in 55mins 8secs.

David Birtwistle, from Blackburn Road Runners, was in 28th place, clocking 56mins 12secs while Accrington Road Runner Chris Walton was 30th in 56mins 21 secs.

Accrington Road Runner Sarah Ridehalgh was first lady home in 33rd position in 56mins 34secs, with M60 vet Evan Cook a place behind in 56mins 42secs.

Deborah Gowans (F45) was second lady past the post in 58mins 33 secs, meaning two local ladies finished inside the top 50 which proved a tremendous effort.

Further down the field, Chorley’s Martin Quinn (M40) was 55th (59.32), while Lee Booth, Trawden AC, was 59th and Accrington Road Runner John Wieczorek in 61st position (59.44) Meanwhile, applications are open for next month’s Ribble Valley 10k.

The annual race, organised by Blackburn Harriers, will be staged on Sunday, December 29.

In 2011, the race saw future Great Britain Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee beaten by Jonny Mellor.

The Harriers have organised the race for the past 13 years. The race has a limit of 1,500 people and last year, 1.400 athletes ran in the race.

Race spokesman George Davies said: “The Ribble Valley 10k is always one of the most popular races on the calendar and we expect at least as many to run this year.”

To sign up for the event, download an application form for the race via: www.ribblevalley10k.com For more details call George Davies on 07751 679013.