Julian Goudge was the pick of the bunch as four Horwich Harriers took to Bronte country to compete in the 31.7-mile Haworth Hobble fell race.

Goudge came home third MV50 after five hours on the moors, with Colin Gregory not far behind in 5hrs 27mins 36secs for 10th V50 in his first ultra marathon.

Hardened mountain man Marcus Taylor took 6:12:00 to complete the distance and Paul Battye clocked 7:01:00.

On the same day, Luke Foley continued his Three Peaks Fell Race preparation with a strong sixth position at Black Combe on the western edge of the Lake District. There are promising signs from one of the club’s top performers in recent years.

Gareth Webb showed no signs of the illness which kept him sidelined for months as he finished first M65 at Chester 10k on Sunday morning.

It was a wet and windy day in the Roman city, with an undulating course and the last mile an uphill slog. The Horwich man did not let this phase him, however, with his time of 40:28 good enough for 155th place out of 4,996 total finishers. This was an England Masters’ selection race and he ensured selection for his fifth M65 vest.

Keagan Rowe continued his successful start in Horwich colours at the same race. The ultra-marathon man mixed it up with a short road race and was pleased to come away with 50th place and a PB of 37:11.

Gary Porteus paid homage from Catalonia, running in the Barcelona marathon on Sunday. A mainstay of the Tuesday track sessions, Porteous turned up in rain, hail, sleet and snow this winter, and his dedication paid off with a cracking time of 3:45:57, well under his previous PB.

Once he had gathered his thoughts, Porteus recounted: “The stealth elevation did for me in the end, it was going so well until 30k, when I had to grit my teeth and persevere.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience in a cool city and I smashed my fundraiser for Bolton Hospice. Now for some Paella and San Miguels.”

Another member with his sights set on a spring marathon - Manchester on April 13 - Matt Wilson took on the Trimple 20.

This was a key race in his build-up and an ideal distance to test his marathon pace. The signs are good, as he finished 59th out of 500 competitors in a time of 2:15:04. He is looking on pace for a sub three-hour marathon in four weeks’ time.

Richard O’Reilly was over the moon to finally be back racing after months of injury woes.

He took to Haigh Woodland Parkrun and finished ninth overall and first in his age category. The result was secondary to the thrill of being back on the start line.

Rob Jackson was back at his familiar Peel Parkrun and back to his usual tricks, securing first in age grading and eighth overall with a time of 18:42 in blustery, cold conditions.