COLIN Rigby lead the way for Harriers in the Ashurst Beacon Fell Race from Upholland.

The 5.9 mile race, with a 950-foot climb, saw a good turnout of Horwich runners but it was Rigby, one of RMI's most consistent performers, who finished first for the club in a superb fourth place.

Steve Cottam, a relatively new member, ran well and was next in ninth, with England international Steve Jackson in an excellent 12th.

That also guaranteed Jackson first over 45 position.

Conditions were dry and the ground firm and many of the Harriers put in solid runs.

Andrew Neary and Glyn Kay battled all the way with Andrew just getting the better of Glyn on this occasion, as they ran in 19th and 23rd respectively.

It was good to see another new member, Dave Peach, competing for the club and finishing in a respectable 28th place.

The race was won by former Horwich man Rob Hope with an impressive winning margin of 46 seconds.

England international Audrey Foster continues to do well in cross-country, this time winning the Northern Vets 10K XC at Leverhulme Park.

Club-mate Shirley Cook had her best race of the winter as she finished third, which also helped her to first lady over 40.

Results: Ashurst Beacon Fell Race (18/01) - 1 R Hope (Pudsey & Bramley) 35.42; 4. C Rigby 37.02 ; 9. S Cottam 38.26; 12. S Jackson 1st V45 39.08; 13 N Wrigley 2nd V40 39.12; 19 A Neary 40.19; 23 G Kay 40.47; 28 D Peach V40 41.23; 48 P Boardman V40 43.20; 67 G Finch V40 45.53; 78 P Bland V55 47.12; 96 M Crook V55 49.24; 97. B Allman V45 49.33 153; C Sweatman L45 58.46; 154 A Sweatman V50 58.47. Finishers: 171

HEARING Dogs for Deaf People are looking for people to run the London Marathon and raise much needed funds.

The charity has Golden Bond places available for runners who have not yet secured a place.

Contact Community Appeals co-ordinator Nicky Litchfield on 01257 260988 for more information.