Fancy dress fun in Whinberry dash

TOM Cruise, Freddie Mercury, Santas and fairies were some of the outfits worn by participants at the annual Whinberry Naze Dash.

A record 276 runners took part in the fell race on Boxing Day, with many dressing up in fancy dress.

They tackled the tough four-mile route and 229m climb from Cloughfold to the summit of Cowpe Lane. The race was won by Robin Howie who romped around the 6.4km course in 23 minutes 57 seconds.

Holly Page, who was dressed as a large Christmas present, was the fastest female at 28 minutes 28 seconds.

Marc Barrett was the fastest Rossendale Harriers runner and finished in 12th place with a time of 27 minutes 59 seconds.

Steve Duxbury, secretary of the Rossendale Harriers, said the emphasis on the race is fancy dress and this year’s oferings were as ‘creative and humorous as ever’.

The fancy dress prize was won by Kevin Doherty, a veteran of 27 consecutive races, and Nicola Carr who came as ‘One Half of Queen, Freddie Mercury and Brian May’.

Alan Lundberg’s Tom ‘Top Gun’ Cruise costume came second followed by Dave Haygarth’s Liam Gallagher.

Steve said: “After that there were numerous elves, Santas, fairies, snowmen and women, two men on inflatable horses, various flowers and small vegetables and reptiles. Much fun was had by all.” ●● Entrants run up the hill during the Whinberry Naze Dash