The Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers held their last race of the year last Sunday, as they hosted their popular 10k road race through Ulverston’s scenic Priory course.

A cold morning with strong sunshine and near perfect conditions saw over 260 runners hit the streets in the pursuit of a fast time on the fast flat course.

Clubs as far as Liverpool and the Isle of Man were in attendance, along with a host of local clubs fighting for positions.

The runners were off at pace at 11:30am though Ulverston’s streets, which soon saw the field thin to a leading group lead out toward the Priory of the coastal road before turning into the grounds and a slight slope through the wooded section ahead of a loop return.

With a course record of 30mins 31secs set back in the summer of 2004 to shoot at and great conditions to boot, a fast field looked like it was going to run the 15-year-old milestone close.

With a long straight before heading back into the clubhouse and finish line, all the expected leading runners were within winning distance as they appeared round the last bend and final burst.

Previous course winner and Barrow & Furness Strider athlete Ross Campbell and course newcomers Nathan Gray (Border Harriers) and Tom Collins (Medway & Medway) were the first to enter the finishing straight.

Faster legs on the day from Gray saw him take the win in 32:26, two seconds ahead of runner-up Campbell and seven seconds ahead of third-placed Collins.

The field then came in floods, with 32 runners finishing under the 40-minute time testament to the great conditions.

Race director Louise Thompson said: “It was a fantastic race day for Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers and it was great to see so many clubs racing and enjoying our courses.”

Fastest women

1. Natalie McCarron (Cumberland AC), 40:21

2. Lucy Varney (Kendal AAC) 43.14

3. Caroline Charlton (DH Runners) 43.20