LOSTOCK AC's Claire Shewbridge headed to Valencia recently to join 16,000 other runners at the city's annual marathon. Cheered on by more than 200,000 spectators, and taking in a route that includes the historic parts of the old city of Valencia, Shewbridge finished the exhilarating race in a time of 4hrs 23mins 05secs.

Closer to home and in much colder weather, the beautiful Peak District village of Langsett was the start and finish point for the 2017 Dark Peak Trail Marathon.

Taking in the forest trails by Langsett Reservoir before climbing to the open moorland of Midhope Moors, the route heads deep into the upper Derwent Valley by the side of Derwent and Ladybower Reservoir before returning by Back Tor and Howden Moors.

Due to illness and injuries Josie Greenhalgh, Tony Marlow, Mike Ernill and Brian Halton raced as a team and finished together, although at present the finishing times have not been confirmed by the race organisers.

Albert Sunter had a day to forget due a series of technical difficulties and did not finish the race.

Haigh Hall parkrun saw Joanna Parncutt and Christine Smith post personal bests of 30:12 and 30:17 respectively, with Alan Mather and Karen Taylor posting times of 27:53 and 29:22.