THE festive season did not hinder Radcliffe AC's Anna Lupton when she took first place among the women in the Whinberry Naze fell race at Rawtenstall.

The event, traditionally held on Boxing Day, attracted 189 runners and Lupton, getting back into racing after an ankle injury, was 32nd overall in a time of 29mins 42secs.

The event covered four miles and 750 feet of climbing. Many took part in fancy dress and Lupton joined in, wearing a Father Christmas hat.

Peter Potter competed in the New Year's Eve Daleside Brewery Auld Lang Syne race from Penistone Country Park near Haworth.

More than 470 runners took part in the event, covering six miles and 900 feet of climbing. Runners had to contend with mud, biting wind and a stream crossing. But the weather was better than it has been in recent years and a number of course records were broken.

Potter was first home among the 10 runners from Radcliffe in 52.45. Donna Cartwright showed she is getting back to form, running 56.17, followed by Peter McNulty in 57.20.

Marcel Ellison ran 58.33: Mark Cartwright (V40) 60.54: John Young 62.22: Jayne Booth (V40) 67.27: Sheila McNulty 68.03, breaking the V60 women's course record: Rachel Stoney 70.12, after a mishap with a thorn in her foot, and Eileen Sharman 74.51.

Peter Potter and Marcel Ellison will also compete in the 42-mile High Peak Marathon.

An overnight event from Edale it has 4,500 feet of climbing and the two Radcliffe runners will join a team of four.

On Saturday it was a family affair when husband and wife, Donna and Mark Cartwright, ran the Ovenden eight-mile fell race at Ogden Reservoir in West Yorkshire. The event included 1,200 feet of climbing and out of 139 runners Donna finished fourth woman and 46th overall in a time of 75.03 with Mark finishing 67th in 79.48.