ST Helens Striders enjoyed a hugely successful return to racing in the Aintree10K after the disappointment of a second hiatus from competitive action.
Driving rain on the windswept course was no handicap to Sharon Swift.
She galloped to a personal best of 48:13 in the 10K race to claim victory in the V50 category, outclassing her rivals to win by a distance.
Brenda Cahill was, as ever, far too strong for her V60 category adversaries as she triumphed at a canter in a new PB of 48:32.
A triple crown of Striders age-group success was completed by John Barr in the V70 category who also set a new best time of 48:00.
Andy Noden earned the distinction of being first past the post for Striders in a new PB of 39:55. Gareth Davies (41:24) and Darren Eckersley (41:33) staged a titanic battle in the final furlong as both secured PBs with Davies edging the contest by a neck.
Darren Eckersley
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