Emotions were high seeing first timers take on the gruelling 26.2 mile Manchester Marathon on Sunday, as well as those with experience aiming for times.

First Strider across the line was Paul Demore in 3:06.43 followed by Jono Kirkman 3:27.18, Neil Hunter 3:31.13, Martin Ballard 3:47.10, Tony Dagnall 4:00.13, David Navis 4:05.35, Peter Teeling 4:10.29, Stuart Tagg 4:29.06 and Jade Booth 4:47.10 Kevin Brennan, in 39:21, and Victoria Kehoe, in 1:11.17, completed the Great Ireland 10k, while in the Cheshire 10k Steven Buckley finished first in 46:08 followed by Sharon OConnell 52:22, Mike Cox 58:29 and Angela Jones 58:47.

St Helens Tri Club’s Phil Ellison followed up a win in Harlech by making it two from two at the West Lancs Spring Triathlon.

He was first over the line by more than a minute thanks in no small part to his customary scintillating bike leg where he was the only rider to beat 30 minutes for the 18.6km course.

He was joined on the podium by Sam Wardle, the club’s top junior for over five years who is in his first season in the senior ranks.

He easily took the under 21s title as he pulled away from his rivals near the end, setting the second-quickest run split of anyone en route to third overall.

Meanwhile at the Manchester Marathon, the star turn came from Michael Forber, who finished in 725th position.

His 3:10.47 time was also good enough for his age group to secure qualification to a future London Marathon.