RUNNING: THE Steve Rothwell four-mile memorial race held in Norden attracted around 200 runners, despite there being snow in the air and menacing clouds on the horizon.

From a fancy dress point of view this has to be the best local race on the fixture list.

After last year’s incredible team of Hulks, this year saw all manner of competitors, including Scooby Doo, two man-sized babies, Tigger, a flower-pot man (possibly Ben), Buzz Lightyear and Woody to name but a few.

The standard of club runner attracted to the event was also high.

The ‘big guns’ at the front of the pack got off to a blistering start up Edenfield road. Before long Rochdale’s Matt Proctor was leading the field, fresh from his warm weather training in Faro.

Proctor held on to his lead until the halfway point when disaster struck. An earlier stomach upset flared up and he was struck by painful cramps.

Trafford AC’s Danny Brocklehurst took full advantage to win the race in an impressive 20 mins 29 secs.

Proctor was disappointed to slip down the field to fifth place. He finished in 21 mins 34 secs.

The ladies' race was won by Jacqui Dews of Holmfirth Harriers in 25 mins 51 secs.

The prize for first lNorden/Bamford finisher went to David Bentley. Following the Wilmslow Half Marathon, Bentley has upped his mileage, and in this race he finished an impressive 18th overall in 23 mins 42 secs.

Rochdale’s Ian Aitchison showed his fine road form by winning the male veteran 50 category in 24 mins 13 secs.

The first three lady finishers from Rochdale Harriers were Linda Evans (28.38), Jenny Brown (29.40) and Janet Pennock (32.24).