IT was a record-breaking day as the Mossley 10K returned after a three-year absence.
Despite the searing heat, there were course record times in both men and women’s races for David Barratt and Martha Tibbott.
David, from Salford Harriers, was first home from the 294 starters in a best-ever time of 32min 22sec for the six-mile course.
He was more than one minute quicker than runner-up Nigel Hockin, from Slaithwaite Striders, who clocked 33min 36sec, third was East Cheshire Harriers’ Gavin Browne in 34:13 and fourth place went to Royton Road Runners’ Rob James (34:16).
Martha was the first woman finisher in a course record time of 37:45 which was 12th overall.
Mossley AFC Running Club’s Gareth Raven was ninth in 36:28 and winner of the male 45 years’ category while Hyde Village Striders’ Aiden Moyles (36:45) secured 10th place.
The event, which has been running since 2014, is expected to raise several thousand pounds for Mossley Football Club with the run starting and finishing on the pitch at Seel Park.
Organiser Harry Humes was delighted with the day, saying: “It was the biggest one yet based on the original entry which was 360.
“Whether it was the hot weather or the fact some entries were carried over from 2020 when the event was cancelled through Covid, but we had 297 starters.
“For the men and women’s course records to be broken was unbelievable in view of the heat.”
Harry praised the army of volunteers, which numbered almost 50, saying the event would not have happened without them.
He also thanked the sponsors, especially O’Donnell’s Solicitors, who also fielded a team in the race, and the Old Original who provided the prizes for the men and women’s winners.
The 2023 race will be held on Sunday, July 16.