RADCLIFFE AC had a good turnout of 18 runners at the Trotters 5 Mile Trail Race on Sunday despite initial fears the course could be affected by the week's extreme weather conditions.

Neal Emmerson showed his form taking fourth place out of 325 runners in 29mins 55secs.

Several other events on the road and fells had been cancelled after the treacherous snow and ice during the week but organisers of Sunday's race, starting from Smithills Coaching House, Bolton, had done a good job of clearing most of the ice off the course and warning runners of problem areas.

Even though sleet was forecast, the bitter wind throughout the week had subsided.

Club members later praised the organisers, Burnden Road Runners, for the work they put in so the event could go ahead.

The race was the second in the Central Lancs Grand Prix in which several clubs, including Radcliffe, take part during the season.

Katie Percival came home sixth woman and 73rd overall in 37:09 and Jenny Yates was third vet-50 in 38:37.

The women's team was third and the A and B teams were both fourth.

There was a fine 22nd place for Chris Whittaker, who clocked 32:12 and some competition between John Gibes, running 33:33, John Wrigley (33:40) and Dave McGrath (33:41).

Mike Kontowtt (V55) ran 34:45, Mark Garner 39:43, Dave Rushton (V50) 40:51, Steve Lomax 41:19, Nick Barnes 41:29, Amanda Callan 42:42, new member Helen Sandiford 45:34, Kirsten Cook (V55) 48:21 and Sarah Rushton (V45) 54:31.

Sharon Peterkin clocked 55:17 and Wayne Holden 56:24 – both walking when they were unsure of the ground underfoot.