HEAD coach and secretary Eileen Royle continues to lead the way for Radcliffe Athletic Club after finishing top vet-65 in this year's Central Lancs Grand Prix.

The long-standing member was due to receive her trophy at a presentation evening at Swinton Football Club this week but was unable to attend due to illness.

Club chairman Chris Paxton picked up the award on her behalf and members will now have a special presentation for her at the club in the near future.

Royle had the best record in her age group after running seven out of 10 selected races during the season.

There was an excellent turnout of 25 runners for the Red Rose Cross Country League races at Leverhulme Park in Bolton on Saturday.

Beverley McGrath (V45) and Caroline Taylor-Smith (V40) were so keen to support the club at Bolton that they ran the Cheshire 10k at Arley Hall in the morning, finishing the course in 1hr 6mins, before taking part at Leverhulme Park in the afternoon.

There were some close battles among members on what was a tough and muddy course.

Fiona Lynch finished ninth out of 118 runners and was first vet-40 in 23:32. The women's team was 11th out of 17.

David McGrath was first home for the Radcliffe men, finishing in 44:44 to take 82nd place out of a field of 233 runners.

He was closely followed by Ian Warrington (87th) in 45mins 18secs.

A maximum field of more than 300 runners will take part in the club's 13 Arches Trail Half Marathon on Sunday.

The new race, hosted by Radcliffe, will start and finish at its Cams Lane running track, taking in part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, Philips Park and Prestwich Clough, with the listed 13 Arches viaduct crossing Philips Park at the centre of the route.

Registration and the presentation will take place at Radcliffe Borough Football Club.