THE heavy rain of recent days was no barrier to strong Lostock performances in both the Lake District and Peak District over the weekend.

Heading to the Langdale valley was a five-strong Lostock team for the Langdale Horseshoe – one of the Lakeland classic fell races.

Starting and finishing at the Old Dungeon Ghyll, the race climbs for 4,700 feet over the course of its 13 miles and visits some of the most well-known Lakeland peaks including Thurnacar Knott, Esk Hause, Bowfell, Crinckle Crags and Pike O'Blisco.

The soft, wet and slippery conditions, however, were no obstacle to Dave Colgan who was first Lostocker home in a time of 3hrs 16mins 11secs in only his second outing as a green vest.

Colgan was followed home by Chris Taylor (3:21:31), Tony Marlow (3:34:05), Josie Greenhalgh (3:46:52) and Mark Sammon (4:03:45). 

Similar wet and soft ground was also to be found in the Peak District as the father-and-daughter team of Albert and Abigail Sunter made their way to the village of Hope for the Dark Peak 30 Ultra Trail race.

Taking in the well-known Dark Peak features of Mam Tor, the Valley of Edale, Stannage Edge and Ladybower reservoir over 30 miles and 4,760 feet of climbing, Albert and Abigail turned in a time of 7:20:20 and were third-placed team.

Closer to home, the recent heavy rain made for both a wet run and cycle route for the re-arranged Firefighters 2 Up Duathlon, starting and finishing at Rivington and Blackrod High School.

Not only unique among multi-sport events as competitors have to race in pairs, being  required to finish both run legs and the bike leg together, the event is also noted for its toughness as the run section is both steep and technical through Rivington's famed oriental gardens, while the bike leg takes competitors over the famed Sheep House Lane and back through Anglezarke.

The first Lostock team home were Tony Marlow and Cathy Stratton in 2:54:34, followed by Andy Laycock and partner (2:58:46), Alan Mather and Nikki Hamerton, who was placed seventh in age category, in 3:14:48, and Karen Taylor and Kathryn Orrell in 3:27:38.

Racing on roads rather than trails and fells was Beverley Atherton-McKenna, who comfortably completed the Manchester Half-Marathon in 1:54:32.