East Lancashire clubs have continued their fine record in the Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon this year.

Divina Raidy of Rossendale Harriers was the winning woman, clocking 4hr 18m 31s for the 26.2 mile tour of the moors around Haworth.

In 20th place overall, only three local men managed to beat her including her club-mates Craig Stansfield and Ronnie Turner who were sixth and eighth respectively. Chorley Harrier Mark Ellithorn was second in 3hr 33m 35s, nine minutes behind Richard Pattinson from the Pudsey and Bramley club.

Historically, the race used to be for pairs only and Rossendale triumphed here too with Sharon Maguire and Richard Stott first in the mixed class in 4h 17m 8s and Clare Kenny and Nick Harris third.

Splitting them were Todmorden’s Jeff Walker and Rachel Skinner.

Martin Terry combined with Gary Shaw to give Clayton Harriers second overall in 3h 53m 54s.

The Half Marathon is a relatively recent innovation, but over 250 took part this year.

Jeff Pickup of Clayton was second over 50 in 2h 02m 31s, missing victory in the class by just nine seconds, and Molly Ralphson of Trawden AC was fourth woman in 2:14:39. Eleven Blackburn Road Runners took part in either the full or half marathons including Cathy Jefferies.

The team is raising money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Cathy’s husband Philip who collapsed and died while running in Longridge early last year.