A SIX-STRONG team from Lostock Athletic Club headed to Heaton Park for the first race of the 93rd season of the South East Lancashire Cross Country League.

Making a welcome return to competitive running after the birth of her young son, Melonie Crompton was the first Lostocker home in a time of 38mins 21secs and ninth in age group.

Heather Soden was fourth in age group in 39:34, Karen Taylor finished in 45:57 and Kate Rotherham in 49:49, with the stand-out performance from Gillian Caldwell who posted a time of 46:27 to finish third in her age group.

Chris Taylor completed the men’s race in 51:04 and 20th in age group.

On the same day as the cross country, nine Lostockers headed to Barley village for the 34th running of the Tour of Pendle.

Covering 17 miles and 5,000ft of ascent, the Tour of Bowland, with its infamous descent of Geronimo, is one of the most eagerly anticipated fell races of the year.

This tough race, which attracts some of the best fell runners in the country, takes in Pendle Hill and the surrounding moorland.

In the provisional timings Albert Sunter was the first Lostocker home in 3hrs 11mins, followed by Tony Marlow, Rob Sharkey and Josie Greenhalgh.

Mike Ernill, Mark Shuttleworth, Matt Withers, Mark Checkley and Pete Noble were the other runners representing Lostock.

Jonathan Cosgrove posted a time of 66:52 at the Preston 10-Mile road race to finish 91st overall and 10th in his age group, while Helen Mather and Joanna Parncutt both posted personal best times at Haigh Hall Parkrun with times of 28:10 and 30:33 respectively.

At Bolton Parkrun Andy Laycock and Jocelyn Chadderton continue to show strong form as they registered times of 23:16 and 28:57.