THERE were great results for two Radcliffe AC runners when they battled tough obstacles in a race with a difference in Derbyshire.

Craig Norman and Mark Garner pushed themselves to the limit over the 6k Overload course which had 40 energy-sapping challenges for competitors to climb over, crawl under and carry weights through.

Norman was third in the elite wave, which was a straight race over two laps in which competitors had to tackle every obstacle, clocking 1hr 3mins 34secs.

Meanwhile, Garner was fifth in the ultimate running challenge wave, in which runners had to do as many laps as possible in a set time, managing three laps.

The race attracts some of the country’s top obstacle race runners and Norman said: “It’s a tough one but I enjoyed it.”

In a more traditional event, Radcliffe had five runners at the Chipping Show Fell Race in Lancashire with Dave McGrath finishing a fine fifth out of 69 runners in 1:17:54.

The men’s team also finished fourth in the 7.5-mile race which has 1,801 feet of ascent, and is part of the club’s fell championship.

Joining McGrath were Robert Short, who ran 1:30:03, John Wrigley (1:38:35), Lee Turner (1:42:12) and Katie Percival (1:43:07).

Two other members were also in action on the fells when they took part in the Golf Ball Race, climbing around 800 feet on the hills above Loveclough, Rossendale.

Hayley Winder finished the five-mile course in 1:06:45 and Lisa Carter ran 1:12:25.

It was the last of a midweek series of four local races organised by Rossendale Harriers, with Winder completing three of them to finish third Vet-40, while Sheila McNulty ran two to claim second Vet-70.

Sizzling temperatures did not stop Sheila Jones when she finished second Vet-60 in 52:15 at the Doonhamer 10k in Dumfries, Scotland.

A trio of Radcliffe runners also kept their cool in the third race of the four-race Ice Lolly 5k Series in Bolton.

Over a challenging course, Peter Cook was 13th and second Vet-60 in 25:15, Kirsten Cook ran 30:47 to win the Vet-55 age group and Christine Berry clocked 48:17.

Meanwhile, Sarah Oxley took part in a race with a difference when dressed as a pea pod for the 10k Marathon Du Malton in Yorkshire.

Inspired by the Marathon Du Medoc in France's wine region, there were many gourmet food and drink stops around the course which showcased the area’s award-winning produce.

Runners were encouraged to take their time, enjoy the party atmosphere and wear fancy dress.

Parkrun tourist Vince Ashton notched up his first international location – and his 81st in total – when he ran 26:14 at Jamaica Pond parkrun in Boston, USA.