KING of the road Danny Collinge made it a hat-trick of wins at the East Lancashire Hospice 10K.

A bumper turn out of 534 runners in Great Harwood saw the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers ace claim the title for a third straight year.

“It was a brilliant run from Danny and an incredible turn out, with money raised helping the East Lancashire Hospice, who do such wonderful work,” a race organiser said.

“The quality of the field gets better and better each year and everybody should be proud of their efforts.”

But it was Collinge who was in command from start to finish.

He stopped the clock at 33 minutes and 50 seconds, more than a minute ahead of runner-up Matt Nuttall from Blackburn Harriers.

It proved to be a splendid effort from the consistent Harriers vet, who claimed the M45 category prize with a time of 35mins 7secs.

There was plenty to celebrate for Accrington Road Runners vet Sarah Ridehalgh too. She carried off the ladies crown, finishing 31st overall and clocking 41mins 23secs.

While Collinge led the charge at the front end of the race, Marc Smith from Trawden AC and Collinge’s club pal Calum James both secured top 10 finishes.

Smith was seventh in 37mins 16secs and James ninth in 37mins 59secs.

Ramsbottom Running Club pair Matt Smith (38mins 20secs) and Neil Rothwell (38mins 30secs) was next home from the locals, finishing the race in 12th and 13th respectively.

And first over the line for Accrington Road Runners was Glen Goodwin, the M50 veteran secured 14th place to win his age category and stopped the clock on 39mins 4secs.

Michael Clucas, representing Blackburn Road Runners, was a place behind in 39mins 5secs.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Nick Hennessey was 16th, with 39mins 6secs while first home for Darwen Dashers was Gareth Taylor, clocking 39mins 12secs.

Another Accrington Road Runner, Chris Halstead, was inside the first 30, stopping the clock in 40mins 14secs to take 23rd.

Andrew McFarlane led the way for Rossendale Harriers, the M45 vet finishing third in his age category, and 24th overall in a time of 40mins 17secs.

Jason Rippingale from Blackburn Road Runners was 28th, the M40 vet home in 40mins 38secs.

A little further down the field, but nonetheless an excellent effort, saw M55 vet Joe Curran from Baxenden Running Bugs take 54th and clocking 43mins 10secs.

Stephen Beardsworth took the M60 veterans crown with a time of 43mins 20secs to secure 58th overall.