Racing across road and fell

MORE than 130 runners took part in the annual Saddleworth Runners’ road and fell relay in Uppermill.

The race attracted 34 teams of four, and involved two three-mile road legs and two fell sections on the lanes and hills around Saddleworth Church.

Runners, facing warm and sunny conditions, started from the Cross Keys pub, and first team back was Rossendale A with a combined time of 1hr 15mins.

The first Saddleworth team back finished in eight place and consisted of Andy Gartside, Chris Davies, Dominic Franklin and Adam Gouldsworthy, in 1hr 25mins.

Saddleworth women’s team of Gaynor Keane, Jo Cunningham, Claire Wightman and Suzanne Darke finished 10 minutes later in 23rd place.