THE MISERABLE weather played a part in the disappointing turn out for the race celebrating Andy O’Sullivan’s 25 years of organising charity races.

Andy, a lifelong member of Rochdale Harriers, was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his selfless dedication to fund raising activities.

The 63 runners had an enjoyable trek up and over 1,300ft Brown Wardle, then back down to the Oxford pub in Whitworth Road.

Rossendale’s Andy Buttery added this event to his long list of recent local victories. He completed the 5.1 hilly miles in 32 mins 10 secs.

In the battle to be first Rochdale finisher, Paul Leary led for most of the race.

In the later stages he paid the price for a punishing 10-mile trail race only two days earlier and was overtaken by Ian Aitchison.

Aitchison took eighth position in 36 mins 37 secs and finished four seconds ahead of Leary.

Ian Stainthorpe’s return to form was marked by a finishing time of 37 mins 18 secs which made him third Rochdale finisher and 10th overall.

The ladies’ race was won by Rochdale’s in-form Anna Blomfield.

Her training for October’s mountain marathon in Austria propelled her into first place. She clocked 41 mins 23 secs.

Andy O’Sullivan competed in the race in addition to being organiser.

He started at an easy pace, knowing the course has a tendency to drain the legs very quickly on the steep ascent up Brown Wardle.

After the climb he powered on, only to fall on the slippery surface in the final 400 metres, injuring his leg.

Junior Jack Walsh got off to a flying start.

The course was longer than he was used to and the distance, coupled with blisters from new fell shoes, caused him to fade a little towards the end.

After bettering his father Nick the week before, at Cowm, he was disappointed to see him pass at Brown Wardle.

But there was no way he was going to let John Mayall pass.

Jack picked up the pace once again to clock a superb time of 41 mins 52 secs and come home as second junior finisher.

In this event 85 per cent of the finishers fell into the veteran category.

Rochdale placings: 8 Ian Aitchison 36.37; 9 Paul Leary 36.41; 10 Ian Stainthorpe 37.18; 17 Mark Walker 39.58; 18 Nick Walsh 39.59; 19 John Armstrong 40.23; 23 Anna Blomfield 41.23 (lady winner); 25 Jack Walsh 41.52 (2nd junior); 26 John Mayall 42.04; 28 Matt Cox 42.16; 30 Andy O’Sullivan 42.33.