RUNNERS took to the fells for a popular 10k trail race that was topped off with homemade cakes and massages for a good cause.

There were more than 300 finishers at Radcliffe Athletic Club’s annual 10k Trail Race on Sunday morning — the best turnout on club record.

Participants set off from the Nellie Halstead running track at Cams Lane in Radcliffe, named after the town’s former Olympian, and headed along the trails, roads and paths of Ringley.

There was an amended route for 2018 due to improvement works being carried out on the canal towpaths.

A total of £160.66 was raised for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team thanks to club members and their families baking cakes, and Bury-based sports therapist Paula Abernethy giving massages for donations.

Race director Fiona Lynch said: "The race was really successful.

"We had 329 runners out on the course - the most we have had at any of our events.

"Members of our new junior section were at the finish line handing out drinks.

"We were supported by Radcliffe Borough FC who were our race headquarters for the event. It was really nice to have that cross-community spirit.

"It was fantastic to raise funds for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, who airlifted our club member to rescue. It was an opportunity to give something back."

The team were instrumental in helping Scott Baxter to safety when he fell 500 feet in wintry conditions on Helvellyn in the Lake District as he tried to rescue a walker.

Local clubs including Bury, Prestwich and Ramsbottom were well represented as well as members of the new Prestwich Plodders.

First place went to James Kovacs, from Salford, in a time of 36 minutes and 39 seconds and second overall going to Richard Shuttleworth, of Prestwich AC with 37 minutes and 10 seconds.