HUNDREDS of runners enjoyed some lockdown racing action when they took part in the Terry Nortley Relays.

The event, named in memory of the much-respected former Radcliffe AC president who died in 2011, is normally held in Close Park, Radcliffe.

But coronavirus restrictions meant that it had to be held as a virtual event this year, with a record 120 teams taking part.

Each team comprised four members who each had to run a two mile-leg and record their time.

Local clubs rallied to support the event which was organised by Radcliffe AC member Vince Ashton and raised £524 for the MS Society. He was helped by the club’s chairman Chris Paxton.

The winning team of Lewis Hinchcliffe, Phil Hinchcliffe, John Deasey and Louis McCarthy from Rochdale Harriers clocked an impressive 46:01.

Bury AC’s Josh Birmingham, Oliver Donnelly, Rick Anderson and Anthony Hallahan were second in 46:49.

The club also took third place with Ben Coop, Ian Warrington, Nicola Ryan and Harriet Griffiths clocking 47:07.

Coop’s leg of 9:41 was the fastest time overall with clubmates Birmingham and Luke Harrell taking second and third respectively in 9:59 and 10:12.

Bury also had the fastest lady with Hannah Price clocking 11:05 ahead of Sue Blackman from Burnden Road Runners in 11:33 and Kay Welsby from Rochdale Harriers in 12:19.

Other clubs that took part were: Radcliffe AC, Prestwich Plodders, Middleton Harriers, Littleborough Runners, Prestwich AC, Swinton Running Club, Ramsbottom Running Club, GMCR and Davenport Runners.

Ashton, who has organised the relays since 2013, said: “I am really pleased. We had a record number of teams and lots of people have said they enjoyed taking part, especially as it’s a distance they don’t normally race over.”