HORWICH’S representation at the World Mountain Championships on September 11 in Bulgaria has increased to three with Chris Farrell for GB now being joined by Ian Conroy and James Kevan for Ireland following on from their success at the Irish trials on Sunday where they ran in their home club colours.

Conroy’s achievement came after only nine weeks of intensive training following a lengthy spell out of race competition. Triathlons provide a varied way to keep in race trim and some Horwich runners compete in this specialism with other clubs.

At the Howgills Triathlon on Saturday, there were five members showing their versatility in the three endurance disciplines of swim, cycle and run.

Paul Lewis prevailed narrowly in 21st place from Paul Sykes who was competing in Tri Rivington colours. Ed Swift competing in Lostock AC colours was first MV70.

Suzanne Budgett claimed yet another FV50 prize at the Lowther 13-mile trail race, while at the Pilgrims Cross fell race in Rossendale in midweek, Michelle Sunter claimed a first FV55 prize.

This race is a leg of the club’s fell championship and saw a good turnout from Horwich.

Nick Leigh added to his impressive string of top-two places this season, while Gary Chadderton consolidated his club competition leading spot.

Andy Ford followed up his 13th place there by also showing his versatility the next night in claiming 55th place in a big field for the Sale Sizzler over a fast 5km road circuit.

In parkrun, 10-year-old Isabella Merritt finished second female at Lytham Hall adding to a fine run of parkruns at several locations, not least her first female place at Heaton Park two weeks ago where she was only the second 10-year-old in the seven years of that parkrun to achieve a first female place.

Ella Pendlebury has had fell successes this summer and is now focusing on speed and took fourth place at the fast Stretford parkrun.

At the Queens Park junior parkrun in Bolton, Isaac Battye was first home with a new personal best time.

Horwich results: Pilgrims Cross fell race (Helmshore) – 2nd Nick Leigh 39:21; 8th Jonathan Bruton 42:38; 13th Andy Ford 44:14; 18th Dan Gilbert 46:28; 24th Gary Chadderton 47:18; 40th Michael Kay 50:30; 41st Doug Fleming 50:33; 62nd Mark Swindell 53:52; 95th Lawrence Pinnell 59:09; 118th Michelle Sunter 1:04:28; 131st Tony Varley 1:12:28; Sale Sizzler 5k road race (Wythenshawe) – 55th Andy Ford 17:28; 234th Michael Hallas 20:56; Howgills Triathlon (Sedbergh) – 21st Paul Lewis 2:07:44; 25th Paul Sykes 2:10:01; 41st Jeanette Lewis 2:48:46; 42nd Rachel Merino 2:50:45; 46th Ed Swift 3:19:28; Turner Landscape fell race (Seathwaite) – 44th David Barnes 2:38:44; Lowther 13-mile trail race (Penrith) – 51st Suzanne Budgett 1:53:55; World Mountain Trial (County Wicklow) – 2nd Ian Conroy 33:23; 3rd James Kevan 34:23.