THIRTEEN members of Radcliffe AC had a special reason for turning out at the midweek Colin and Brenda 5k Cowm Race at Whitworth, Rochdale.

They were showing their support for race organiser Andy O’Sullivan who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

A member of Rochdale Harriers, he has organised many races over the years and is well-known in running circles.

Radcliffe runners turned out in force to wish him well with his treatment and were among a field of 206 who took on two laps of the Cowm Reservoir.

The money raised went to charity and the club also donated £50.

Peter Hunter was first home for Radcliffe, finishing 31st in a time of 19mins 27secs, closely followed by Chris Paxton in 33rd (19:35secs).

The club’s two vet-75s, who had known O’Sullivan for many years, also ran with Tom West clocking a fine 31:07 and Jim Rhodes 38:10.

Other results: Kris Lee (V40) 21:20, Steve Hamer (V55) 22:23, Chris Fletcher 23:35, Mauro Rotondi (V40) 24:01, Vicky Glossop 24:16, Kath Davies (V50) 24:55, Mark Emmett (V55) 24:56, Iain Harris (V65) 28:19, Karen Doherty (V40) 29:51.

Mike Cooke clocked 1:38:27 to finish 72nd out of 411 runners in the Darwen Heritage Half Marathon. There was 1,200 feet of climbing in sunny conditions and it proved perfect preparation for this weekend’s Manchester Marathon.

In the Wilmslow Half Marathon, Kath Davies clocked 1:52:15 as she prepares for the London Marathon later this month.

The club has 170 entries so far for its popular 10k, which will take place a week on Sunday. The event, which usually attracts well over 200 runners, covers the roads and paths around the Ringley area and the canal towpath.

Money from the race will be donated to MacMillan Nurses and sports science students from Bolton University will be on hand to offer massages.

Headquarters will be at Cams Lane Primary School, Radcliffe and entries for the 11am race will still be taken on the day. But to make sure of an entry runners can get details on the club site www.radcliffeac.org.uk