It was a record-breaking day at the annual Mossley 10k on Sunday, with two familiar faces topping the rankings.
After not being expected to defend the title he won for the past two years, Ashton's David Barratt not only made it a hat-trick of wins in the event, but he also broke the course record for the third time.
Running in warm conditions, the Salford Harrier led the field home in 30 minutes 59 seconds, smashing more than a minute off the mark he set in the rain last year, and three-and-a-half minutes ahead of the competition.
Michael Manning of Oldham and Royton Harriers went one better than 2023 in taking silver, while bronze went to East Cheshire’s Matthew Smith – who came 5th in the Dr Ron Hill Hyde 7 during The Tour last month - despite falling during the sprint finish.
Stalybridge’s Hayley Simpson also successfully defended her women’s title, tackling the circuit in 42 minutes 28 seconds for her 3rd win.
She beat her East Cheshire clubmate Katie Kay into 2nd place, while Royton’s Maisie Wainwright completed the podium.
Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds fired the starting pistol at Mossley AFC’s Seel Park, whose manager David Fish was one of the 352 runners.
The former goalkeeper finished in a creditable 57 minutes 36 seconds.
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