HORWICH RMI Harriers under-13s' squads continued their fine form with both the boys' and girls' groups winning the first team prizes at the South East Lancs Cross Country League fixture at Heaton Park.

Isabella Merritt led the girls home and Milly Lever with Freya Whittle not far behind.

Then, the boys picked up the gauntlet as Matthew Mair, Matthew Flatters and Isaac Simmonite took first, second and third places for a runaway team win.

The u11s team of Emma Bradley, Ethan Isaacs and Elliott Whittle all put in good performances beforehand while u15s' Robert Seddon and Kieran Kinealy finished second and third but lacked a third Harrier to complete what could have been a great team performance.

The senior men were looking for more cross country honours again only a week after winning at Boggart Hole Clough in the Manchester League.

On this occasion, Simon Pymm used his fell-weather experience to tackle the elements and come home fifth with Paul Massey continuing his resurgence of form in ninth, the four-man team finishing fifth of 16 clubs.

Massey was joined by Gary Chadderton and Doug Fleming to take third place in the M40 team competition.

On Sunday, the inaugural running of the 13 Arches Trail half-marathon took place in the Irwell Valley at Prestwich.

Tony Hesketh and Peter Heneghan were the Horwich representatives in a race well organised by Radcliffe AC with chip timing, a medal and a goody bag at the finish.

Hesketh finished second V65, while Heneghan went one better with top spot in the V70 category.

In the Chorley Fire 10k, Gareth Booth returned to the road with a fine fifth place after his exploits at cross country for England the previous week, closely followed home by James Jordan and Paul Muller and a very fine personal best from Keith Lewthwaite from the club’s runners group.

Heaton Park on Sunday was also the venue for the MoRun Manchester where Rob Jackson took first place in the 10k race. He is always keen to give his absolute best to each event, something of a family trait as the previous day his uncle Steve Jackson took second prize in the V60 category at the Tour of Pendle fell race in challenging conditions over a tough 17-mile course which included almost 5,000 feet of ascent.

Horwich RMI results: SE Lancs XC, Heaton Park – 5th Simon Pymm 38:53, 9th Paul Massey 39:56, 59th Gary Chadderton 45:44, 65th Doug Fleming 46:21, 125th Lawrence Pinnell 53:00, 147th Gordon Stone 55:44.

Arches half marathon trail race, Prestwich – 68th Tony Hesketh 1:48:56, 160th Peter Heneghan 0:09:30.

Chorley fire 10k road race – 5th Gareth Booth 34:06, 7th James Jordan 36:23, 8th Paul Muller 37:08, 89th Keith Lewthwaite 48:51.

MoRun Manchester 10k road race – 1st Rob Jackson 38:49.

Arnside Knott fell race – 14th Michael Hallas 42:53, 106th Claire McKenna 60:07.