John Ashcroft makes a winning return to the St Helens 10K

Karl Taylor from Morpeth Harriers followed him over the line in 33mins.27.

Last year’s winner, Jake Littlehales from Stockport, finished in 33mins.38.

In the women’s race, Sarah Cumber from Halifax Harriers crossed the line in 38mins.27, which will stand as a new course record.

Vicky Unsworth from Liverpool finished in second in 38mins.59, while Rachael Fairclough from St Helens Striders secured third place on home ground in 41mins.25.

Vets results as follows, Ladies: V35 Sharon Samson 41mins 32, V40 Jeanette Fisher 46mins.05, V45 Michelle Liddle 43mins.15, V50 Yvonne Neary 52mins.42, V55 Carol Foster 49mins.09.

Men: V40 Mike Golbourne 36mins.21, V45 Andrew Parkinson 38mins, V50 John Greenall 37mins.21, V55 Geoff Parr 42mins.53, V60 Anthony Metcalf 41mins.17.

Among those running in a record field was a team of 31 from St Helens Sutton AC.

The hilly course did not deter the runners who survived the ‘Great North Road’ and first home for the club, having a great race, was John Greenall in 37 min.21 secs to finish ninth overall and first in his age category.

Next was Barry Graney in 39 min.44 secs,to take third place in class.

Next in, showing excellent form ahead of next month’s London Marathon, was the club’s first lady, Sonya Monaghan, in 45 min.42 secs, she finshed second in her age category.

Monaghan was followed closely by Julia Eccleston in 46 min.23 secs. Next home for the men were Ian Reid (47 min.07 secs.) and Chris Coatsworth (47 min.41 secs.

Rachel Wilcock(49 min.03 secs.), Rachel Bessley (49 min.15 secs.), Keith Williams (49 min.38 secs.) and Antony Young (49 min.43 secs.) broke the 50-minute mark.

At the same time, Gemma Connolly was running round the motor racing circuit at Oulton Park where six and a half laps of the circuit was the course for the Oulton Park half marathon.

Considering the course and the weather conditions, Gemma should be pleased with her time of 1 hour. 21.34 min.