BURNDEN’S Paula Pilling led the way as the club’s female runners racked up more success at the Gin Pit 5 Trail Race in Tyldesley.

Pilling was second female finisher and first F40 in 33mins 26secs. Gwen Kinloch, who finished ninth, and Anne Ferguson in 12th place took the first two F55 places in times of 36:28 and 38:03 respectively and the three times ensured Burnden won the ladies' team prize.

A huge turnout of 42 members took part in this popular race through the trails surrounding the Miners Welfare Club in the village, the last of the Central Lancs Grand Prix Series for 2016.

Shirley Staveley was second F50 in 38:10 and Katy Thompson second F45 in 39:32.

The men claimed two category wins. David Burke was first M60 in 35:11 and Phil Glassbrook first M70 in 41:57.

Rob Short was the first club member to cross the finish line, coming home inside the top 20, 18th overall in 31:09 with Andy Staveley close behind, third M55 in 31:31.

Other category successes included George Butler, who was third male junior in 35:30. Paul Duke was fourth M40 with a time of 31:32, Keith Thomas fourth M55 in 31:36 and Elaine Roper fourth F55 in 42:02.

Other results: Gareth Doherty 32:30, Ed Ashton 33:02, Mark Jackson 33:12, Adrian Merritt 33:52, Christophe Menand 34:06, Andy Duffy 34:17, Stewart Jones 34:36, Marcus Taylor 35:07, Dave Swift 35:11, Steven Bate 35:45, Craig Philpot 38:38, Chris Greenall 39:24, Linda O’Byrne 40:01, Lucille Corrigan 40:33, Mark Butler 40:33, Rebecca Wensley 41:00, Sarah Sutcliffe 41:27, Andy Warburton 41:43, Jeff Pendlebury 42:33, Ann Butler 45:21, Nadia Raza 45:22, Linda Haines 46:26, Tracey Cameron 46:52, Fiona Ashton 47:41, Debra Hennessey 47:51, Joanne Darby 52:06, Dawn Evans 53:31, Gillian McGowan 56:41, Bill Kelly 1:08:51.

Five club members successfully completed the Three Towers Ultra Marathon – labelled one of the toughest ultras in the UK. A course of 37 miles across the wild terrain of trails and fields of the West Pennine Moors takes in the three local landmarks of Darwen Jubilee Tower, Rivington Pike and Peel Tower.

Marcus Taylor was in imperious form, completing the challenge in 13th place with an awesome time of 8:19:20.

Isaline Pollitt also posted a great time, earning herself third female place in 8:49:00, with Martyn Pollitt registering the same time.

Jackie Oakes and Lorraine Halwood – who clocked 42 miles on their way round – came home in 12:20:30 – a remarkable achievement by all.

Over the other side of the Pennines, Phil Eccleston delivered a fine performance to finish eighth in the Yorkshire Marathon in a time of 2:37:07.

Lawrence McDonald took part in the West Coast Half Marathon at Lytham and came home in 1:45:51 while Gari Jones registered 2:10:03 for the Bangor Half Marathon.

Five members travelled the furthest to compete this week, heading off to Greece for the Thessaloniki Half Marathon night race.

Lesley Fisher was in unbeatable form yet again, securing the first F55 prize in 1:49:02. Don Nichol was next to finish, posting 1:55:44.

Dave Pearson crossed the line in 2:04:07, followed by Karen Taylor (2:12:33) and Peter Whiteside (2:19:59).