THIRD place in a very fast Trafford 10k was just reward for Ellesmere Port Runners on a weekend where the club spread itself thinly over three events.
The men's team at Trafford, where the top four finishers all came home in under half-an-hour, was placed third overall after Steve Crowe, despite being buffeted by gusty winds, was 14th in 33 minutes, 19 seconds.
He was followed by Simon Jeffs, 28th in 35:39, and Mark Dodd who, despite the disappointment of being the only member of the trio not to get a personal best, ran 36:29 to come home in 35th and score vital points.
At the same time, another EPRC triumvirate were taking on the Haweswater Half Marathon in the northern Lake District.
There were top half finishes for Danny Legg (1:30.55), Alan Durston (1:42.19) and Chris Bennion (1:52.10).
Closer to home in the Farndon 10k, an EPRC foursome of Nicky Bird, Matt Whitfield, Madelaine Bird and Nigel Crieri took on a strong head wind.
The race allowed Nicky, who is recovering from an injury, to step up her rehabilitation as she finished in a time of 39:21 to be the third-placed lady runner.
Her three team-mates were all taking part to boost their gruelling marathon training schedules.
Matt crossed the line in 39:35 as the second-placed male in the V50 age group, Madelaine Bird completed in 48:25 as the first-placed lady V50 and Nigel Crieri ran 50:43.
