James, representing Salford Harriers, defied the near tropical conditions and 'killer' hills to record an impressive 35:24, holding off the challenge of Pudsey & Bramley's Steve Neill, who led P&B to the men's team prize with a fine 35:45. Paul Ward claimed 3rd place for Dewsbury Road Runners in 37:01, with Neil Armitage of P&B 4th in 37:38 just ahead of Bingley's Jon Dawson, home in 37:54.

A strong contingent from the Stainland Lions club included ladies race winner Lorraine Naylor (44:07) who held off the challenge of Lisa Hall (Idle A.C.) and the unattached Samantha Briggs, helping Stainland to the women's team prize.

The Fleece pub on Fartown, Pudsey, one of the race sponsors, was the proud winner of the corporate challenge.


A select band from the home club managed to escape marshalling duties, James Clark leading the way to take 12th place overall in 39:06, with Nigel Armitage, 18th in 40:19 and Paul Gaile, 20th in 40:41, in close order. Nicola Townend (53:17), and Alyson Glover (58:18) also shone for the Pacers.

Race Director, Dave Butler, was delighted with the day's proceedings, not least the junior fun runs which helped to mark the day out as a real community event.

With some 400 entries for the main race, a significant sum was again raised for the chosen charity – Marie Curie Cancer Care.