NICK Gaskell powered to a top 10 finish at the Garstang 10k near Preston.

The Clayton-le-Moors Harriers ace crossed the line in eighth in 35 minutes and 29 seconds, ensuring he picked up the MV40 prize.

Gaskell was followed in 14th by his clubmate Tom Brewster (36mins 15secs). Joe Monk, one place and one second behind Brewster, and second-fastest MV55 John Chaplin (20th in 36mins 48secs), led the way for Blackburn Harriers.

Derek Reilly was the second-fastest MV45 and the first Darwen Dasher in 17th (36mins 38secs).

Hot on his heels were Trawden AC’s David Lord, who was the third-fastest MV50 in 23rd, and Rossendale Harriers’ Colin Fowler, who was the fourth-fastest MV40 in 24th.

Rossendale Harriers’ Thornton Taylor was the third-fastest MV55 and 35th overall in 37mins 48secs.

Joanne Nelson was the women’s champion, and the fastest FV40, in 43rd. The Darwen Dashers star rounded the course in 38mins 2secs.

Nelson’s clubmate Janine Fallon was the fastest LV35 and 107th overall in 42mins 21secs, while another Darwen Dashers member, Carol Butterworth, was the third-fastest FV45 and 153rd overall in 45mins 9secs.

Trawden AC’s Jean Baistow was the third-fastest FV65 and 306th overall in 52mins 39secs.

John Boothman (102nd in 42mins), Warren Crook (122nd in 43mins 32secs), Sam Waddington (125th in 43mins 11secs) were first home for Barlick Fell Runners, Chorley Athletic and Tri Club and Ribble Valley Tri Club respectively.

Accrington Road Runners’ Pete Waring (170th in 45mins 52secs) headed his club’s charge while Margaret Keighley was 281st in 50mins 52secs to be the first Blackburn Road Runner home.

Sue Eastham (428th in one hour, 3mins 25secs), Helen Keepe (435th in one hour, 4mins 39secs) and Alison Wright (436th in one hour, 4mins 44secs) were the first runners from Darwen, South Ribble Runners and South Ribble Harriers respectively.