CHRIS Farrell joined James Kevan as one of Horwich’s own superstars in the international arena of mountain running at the Elim Peugeot International Snowdon race.

Representing England, Farrell finished second behind Chris Smith of England who, with Rob Hope (born and raised in Horwich but now plying his trade in Yorkshire) and Ben Mounsey close behind, won the team competition despite strong opposition from Italy, France, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the sponsored Salomon Team as well as more than 500 club athletes. Representing Ireland, Kevan also finished in the top 10.

Farrell only achieved England selection at the Skiddaw trail race two weeks ago and reckons it to have been probably the best and most enjoyable performance of his career to date.

Which means that we can look forward to even more great performances from ‘Fazz’ as he’s known to his friends, club colleague Gareth Booth described it as a ‘savage’ course and the athletes had to show great poise and grit in tackling the very tough descent.

Booth, himself no stranger to winning races, finished 91st and described the last mile on the flat as more like a marathon, after the gruelling mountain stretches.

During the week there were more strong performances in the fells from Horwich runners. Danny Hope won at Bull Hill near Hawkshaw, with support from Michael Hallas, Andy Lloyd and Doug Fleming ensuring they collected the team prize.

Meanwhile Nick Leigh won at Ingleborough and Mark Birbeck came in 84th place at Cracoe, a great achievement as he continues his determined recovery from serious injury.

Snowdon wasn’t the only venue for international efforts by the Harriers this week as Keith Lewthwaite ventured to Gorky Park in Moscow to complete his 123rd parkrun, finishing in 17th place. It was Keith’s fourth-fastest parkrun so it appears Moscow may be the place to go for a personal best.

Results

Bollington Hill Race – 11th Andy Ford 49:36, 26th Paul Boardman 54:00.

Ian Terry Memorial 5k trail race (Rochdale) – 13th David Barnes 21:04.

Bull Hill fell race (Hawkshaw) – first Danny Hope 35:34, 13th Michael Hallas 40:26, 14th Andy Lloyd 40:42, 38th Doug Fleming 45:51, 62nd Tony Hesketh 47:51, 68th Michael Kay 48:26, 194th Ed Swift 01:17:15.

Elim Peugeot International Snowdon race – second Chris Farrell 01:07:14, eighth James Kevan 01:09:22, 91st Gareth Booth 01:26:22.

Snowdon International Super Cup – seventh Michael Cayton 46:48.

Ingleborough Mountain Race – first Nick Leigh 48:53, 78th Alastair Cairns 01:09:13.

Cracoe fell race (Skipton) – 23rd Graham Schofield 27:15, 84th Mark Birbeck 43:05.

Cracoe junior fell race – seventh Toby Middleton 12:23.

Kentmere Horseshoe fell race – 13th Simon Pymm 01:43:19, 19th David Milliken 01:45:29, 44th Andy Ford 01:54:22, 128th Josie Greenhalgh 02:12:10, 178th David Barnes 02:22:53, 192nd Abigail Sunter 02:25:53, 193rd Albert Sunter 02:25:54, 252nd Michele Sunter 02:46:40, 269th Tony Varley 03:14:04.