VETERANS dominated Abbey Village at the weekend as the sun shone down on the 24th Roddleworth Roller event – attracting almost 150 runners.

The six-mile tester is dubbed as the oldest multi-terrain race in the north west and regularly attracts good numbers – with youngsters also turning out for the equally popular two-mile Daffodil Doddle.

Although a cold wind blew across the Roddlesworth Reservoir on Sunday, it did not stop Anthony Valentine of Bolton United Harriers, who made light work of the twisting undulated course to register a a winning time of 32 minutes and 42 seconds.

There was plenty of strong local challenge, notably from nearby Chorley clubs, with Dominic Raby of Chorley Harriers coming second in 33:29.

Over 100 of the Roller entrants came in the shape of veterans, and Burnden Road Runners’ over 40 John Knowles was the first one home in 34:56, just ahead of fast improving vet 40 Mike Chalfont of Chorley AC (35:02).

Horwich RMI’s Sean McMyler (35:21) took the over 45 prize ahead of clubmate Paul Boardman (37.30), who grabbed the over 50 honours ahead of Darwen Dashers’ Russ Corsini.

Evergreen Preston Harrier Kevin Hesketh (vet 55) finished in 37:32 with vet 60 FRA runner Rod Smith taking that prize in 51:21.

In the female race, Horwich’s Lindsey Brindle finished in the top 20 in 37:46, over one minute ahead of club-mate Maria Lowe with junior Beckie Taylor, of Blackburn Harriers, safely taking third female spot in 39:29.

Over 40 Yvonne Wyke, of Parbold Pink Panthers, ran an excellent race to take first female vet in 40:11, closely followed by Dawn Atkins of Chorley Harriers (41:15) and over 50 Lesley Fisher of Burnden running an excellent race to clock 41:33.

In the two-mile Daffodil Doddle race, Ribble Valley’s 15-year-old Joe Oldfield, a pupil at Blackburn’s St Bedes High School, led from start to finish to clock a winning time of 10:10 for the tough course.

First girl home was Elizabeth Greenwood (10:53) of Blackburn Harriers fifth overall, followed by Ribble Valley’s Lucy Lennon (11:46) and club-mate Georgie Smith (11:52) third.

Team honours went to Blackburn Harriers trio (Joseph Howe, Byron Abbot and Greenwood) as first athletics club team, St Michaels High School in Chorley for first secondary school, and High Lawn Bolton as first primary team.