SCOTTISH couple Robbie Simpson and Virginie Barrand will always remember their sunny spring weekend in the Lake District as they triumphed in the Coniston 14.

Deeside Runners ace Simpson romped to victory in the annual road race around Coniston Water in a time of one hour, 16 minutes and 37 seconds – five minutes ahead of runner-up Gareth Booth of Hormich RMI (1:21:03).

And Simpson’s girlfriend Barrand, representing Metro Aberdeen Running Club, was first home in the ladies’ race and 24th overall in 1:28:53.

An impressive total of 1,180 runners from all over the UK took to the start line in what was the 36th running of the annual race and soaked up the sunshine on the picture- perfect 14-mile course around the lake.

Craig Jones, of Manchester YMCA Harriers, made up the podium places in the men’s rac,e in 1:21:12, while the second and third-placed finishers in the women’s race were Eleanor Fowler (Nuneaton Harriers), in 1:31:28, and Cleator’s Rebecca Rennie, in 1:34:39.

Harvey Lord, of Black Combe Runners, was the highest-placed local runner as he grabbed eighth place in 1:25:10. Ben Hodgson, of Grange, finished 22nd, in 1:28:42; Mark Lehrle, of Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers, placed 30th, in 1:29:43; and George Cooper of Coniston Runners landed 32nd place in 1:29:54.

Other top-50 finishers included Hoad Hill Harriers pair Jeff Chadwick (1:30:23) and Mike Cubin (1:33:30), and Richard Walker, of Barrow and Furness Striders (1:31:01).

Ulverston Tri Club members Paul Rodger (1:34:42) and Stuart Garnett (1:35:08) warmed up nicely for the upcoming swim-cycle-run season with top-70 finishes, Hoad Hill’s Gary Dover landed ninth place in the M50 category in 1:38:49, and former Barrow Raiders captain Gary Broadbent showed his preparations for his a crack at the Lakesman ironman distance triathlon in June are on course with a time of 1:39:28.

It was a triumphant day for Hoad Hill Harriers’ Sharon Dixon, who won the F45 category in 1:41:47.

Dixon, along with Elsie Roberts, Heather Travis and Amanda Jenkins, helped Glaxo take third place in the ladies team prize.

Dixon was one of 24 Hoad Hill athletes to compete on a day when temperatures hit 16 degrees by noon – one hour into the race – making conditions difficult for some.

The men’s team prize went to the Wolds Veterans Running Club and the women’s award to Totley Athletic Club.

Prizes were presented by Harold Ogden, who, along with Fred Reeves, set up the first race in 1982.

Based at John Ruskin School, the race is organised by the Coniston community and £20,000 is raised each year for local clubs and charities. Street band BLAST Furness entertained the visitors and runners as they crossed the finishing line.

The committee thanked the 80 helpers, young and old, who helped make the race a success. Thanks also went to the police, Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, the Crusaders and First Responders, who gave valuable support on the day.