A TEAM of 26 Darwen Dashers travelled to Whitworth near Rochdale to take part in the Geoff Doggett Memorial 5km Trail Race, writes Andy McAllister.

They enjoyed great success – winning eight prizes, with the highlight being Joanne Nelson’s victory in the women’s race.

The event honoured a stalwart of Salford Harriers, but race organiser Andy O’Sullivan also laid on the presentation of a special award for one of the Dashers’ own.

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In his role of chairman, Jonathan Stubbs has presided over one of the most successful spells in the club’s history and also, as the organiser of the David Staff Memorial Fell Race, has helped keep alive the memory of the young Dasher who died in a road race 20 years ago.

As Jonathan prepared to step down from his role on the committee, he received an engraved plate citing his ‘outstanding contribution to athletics’.

Meanwhile, seven hardy Chorley Athletic & Triathlon Club members took part in the Central Lancs Grand Prix race at Haigh Hall.

Phil Iddon (56th in 25 minutes and 25 seconds) led the way for the club from Martin Quinn (59th in 25mins 30secs).

They were followed by Ainsley Murphy (76th in 26mins 7secs), Jonathan Burgess (110th in 27mins 22secs), Michael Hendry (137th in 28mins 18secs), Ruth Whipp (144th in 28mins 36secs) and Mike Coppin (305th in 51mins 11secs).

Mark Ellithorn (17th) was the first home for Chorley in Orchan Rocks Fell Race with David Parkinson (24th), Yewan Bennison (27th), Bill Beckett (31st), Hendry (45th), Stephen Baker (46th), Jackie Redmayne (50th) and Coppin (71st) following up.

Ellithorn, Redmayne and Coppin were all second in their age categories.