This year’s Accrington 10K Road Race was one of the most dramatic in recent times, thanks in large part to a daring attempt to win from the front by veteran ace Phil Hall.

Now in his late 40’s, the Nelson based all-rounder struck the front right from the start as the runners headed up Burnley Road from the Whitakers Arms.

As they turned left to head through Huncoat towards Altham, the steep decline fuelled the hectic early pace as the ambitious Hall built a lead of 40 metres.

A left turn at the bottom signals the beginning of a long uphill plod back towards Clayton-le-Moors, and it was on this stretch that York athlete James Metcalf began to work his way back into contention, and as they browed the hill with around two miles to go he was right on Hall’s tail.

By the finish at Highams Playing Fields, Metcalf was ahead by 20 seconds crossing the line in 34:48, but Hall didn’t relent and still finished well clear of third-placed Christian Varley from the Isle of Man.

Hall is one of East Lancashire’s most impressive racers, unusually mixing a prowess on both fell and road with a track pedigree.

To make the most of his skills he runs for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers on and off road, and for Blackburn Harriers on the track, and this has led to a most unusual honour.

Earlier this year, he was awarded the Stephen Brady Trophy at the Clayton club’s Awards Night for the outstanding performance of the year by a Clayton man, even though he was running in a Blackburn vest at the time!

The trophy was awarded for winning the over 45 titles at the British Veteran’s Championships in both the 800 metres and the 1500m.

Last year’s winner at Accrington, Aaron Hargreaves, also has strong connection with both clubs having finished second in this race for Clayton three years ago before his success for Blackburn 12 months ago.

Last Christmas, he suffered a heart attack during training which almost claimed his life, yet amazingly (and very pleasingly) he was back on Sunday to take sixth place in a field of almost 350. He was also on the winners rostrum once again as Blackburn Harriers took the team prize.

In-form Brian Fogarty took fifth in 36:48 with Hargreaves home in 37:19 and Roger Schultz clocking 38:19 for 13th. Also for Blackburn, Evan Cook in 16th won the over 55 class.

The race was graced by an all too rare appearance from Kerry Gillibrand, the 2002 Commonwealth Games finalist.

The track star from Baxenden was our area’s only representative in the Manchester Games, when she represented England in the 1500 metres alongside Kelly Holmes and Helen Clitheroe (nee Pattinson).

Kerry chose a difficult and squally day for road racing, but still managed to win in 41:14.

In the latter stages Pendle’s Katie Trickett ran strongly to reduce the final gap to only six seconds, maintaining her steady improvement over the last couple of years.

Linda Clarkson in fourth spot was the best of the winning Darwen Dashers team, supported by sixth placed Joanne Haslam and Janine Fallon in 15th.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Adams gave the host club their first title of the day with the over 55 award.

andymcallister@virgin.net