A month ago, it seemed unlikely that the David Staff Fell Race could go ahead when Darwen Dashers' officials realised that the event had not been publicised in the FRA calendar.

But then the club pulled out all the stops and Sunday's race attracted 111 competitors to make it a fitting tribute to the young Dasher who died during a road race in 1994.

Their success somewhat rebounded on the club when the 2005 joint English Champion Simon Bailey from Mercia Fell Runners turned up, and his winning run deprived Dasher Danny Headifen of a home win.

Bailey's time of 32:22 has been bettered only two years ago when Rob Hope, the other co-holder of the 2005 English Championship was first. Headifen was left well beaten in 36:05 as Clayton's Ian Greenwood took third in 36:49 and with it veteran honours.

It was a similar tale in the women's race where Lisa Lacon from Holmfirth Harriers crossed the Pennines to deny the Dashers' women.

Lacon clocked 39:54 for 14th overall while Zoe Haslam, Dawn Norse and Jackie Shaw were second third and fourth.

Shaw was the leading veteran in 46:32 nearly a minute ahead of Rossendale's Tracy Ireland who in turn beat Blackburn Harrier Jackie Taylor by a single second.

Rossendale Harrier Phil Bolton was the first junior to complete the five miles in 37:04.