RUNNING: MEDIEVAL Norton Priory was a fitting setting for a historic athletics event.

The inaugural Runcorn Five-Mile Road Race started from outside one of the town's landmarks and saw a 350-strong field battle it out.

This run was the second of three which make up the Catena Rail Grand Prix, promoted by the Halton & Hale Village Road Race Committee.

Entry is still open for the third - the Run The Bridge event on Easter Sunday, March 27.

The Norton Priory race, which follows December's Hale Road Race has been declared a success.

Councillor Rob Polhill, Halton Borough Council's executive board member for tourism, said: 'It has had a positive response from local people as well as those who live outside the borough.'

Starting outside the priory in Tudor Road, the race took runners on a coned-off circuit taking in Manor Park and finishing at Haddocks Wood sportsfields.

John Heap, 34, of the Hallamshire club was first past the post in 24mins 59secs.

The women's champion, also the Veterans Over-45s category winner and 22nd overall, was Liverpool Harriers' Linda McDermott (30:53).

There were also veterans' prizes for best Over-40s, 50s, 60s and 70s runners.

Simon Moseley, an unattached runner from Dutton, finished 16th in 30:28.

To enter the Run the Bridge event, contact Halton council's tourism and promotions team, call 0151 420 9414 for an entry form or e-mail run.halton@halton.gov.uk.

Visit www.halton.gov. uk/runhalton.

Vanessa Griffiths was Helsby's Running Club's first finisher in the fourth Border League race at Abergele.

She was the seventh woman home in 33.43. Carol Shaw followed in 17th (35.06), Sarah Gooda 29th (37.34), Lisa Griffiths 40th (39.15), Steph Charman 43rd (40.18) and Philippa Scott 50th (41.42).