Paul Duke’s cross country team from Burnden Road Runners were in Liverpool for what has been described as ‘the UK’s premier event in the cross country calendar’ last weekend.

Incorporating the trials for the European Championships, which gives elite athletes the chance to wear a GB vest and represent the country in Antalya, makes this an exciting event for both the club and every Burnden participant.

The Euro Cross Challenge event attracted runners from as far as Northern Ireland, Scotland and London.

Leading the Burnden men home was Michael Kermode in 35mins 22secs, followed by Paul Duke, in 37:49.

After those, it was Steve Nolan (38:48), Stephen Horsman (40:43), Keith Thomas (44:43) and Tony Fulop (1:09:56).

First lady was Lyndsay Darbyshire, in 41:36, followed by Verity Harrison, in 41:45, Gwen Kinloch (42:47), Anne Ferguson (45:24) and Kathryn Baron (50:48).

It was from one weather extreme to another, as three lucky Burnden couples escaped to the snow showers and headed for sunshine when they boarded a flight to Spain.

The Benidorm Half-Marathon takes runners along the entire coast with beautiful views of the Mediterranean at dusk and features iconic locations along the route including Levante Beach, Mediterraneo Avenue, Poniente Beach and the Old Town.

Andy and Rachel Norman led the couples home in matching times of 2:09:11, followed by Gareth Lowe and Jenni Partington, in 2:09:25.

Completing the set were the Entwistles - Jen in 2:45:09 and Simon in 2:46:36.