On the final day of 2024, several Burnden members managed to squeeze in the popular Trails and Ales 10K, which finishes with a pie, a pint and a party.

Before the clock struck midnight on a very wet and soggy Bolton, the sounds of a bagpiper could be heard as runners set off and strains of Auld Lang Syne piped them back home again in what has become an annual event in the race calendar locally.

It’s a tough trail with ups, downs, more ups, boulders, rivers, mud, bogs, gates, monuments and much more to test competitors rounding off the year with a run.

Jonny Sangster was first to finish in a speedy 53mins 9secs - clinching third position overall and second MV40.

Next home was Mark Whittington, in 59:34, followed by Stephen Horsman (1:04:41) taking the second MV60 crown. First Burnden lady was Lyndsay Darbyshire, in 1:14:35, with Anne Ferguson second in 1:15:40.

Other results: Ed Ashton 1:06:04, Jane Forrest 1:18:54, Shirley Staveley 1:19:12, Vicki Hamer 1:23:53, Ravi Patel 1:23:54, Ged Turner 1:32:08, Anthony Fulop 2:13:15.

Just before the fun of the New Year began, the established Ribble Valley 10K was held at Clitheroe.

The road race is organised by Blackburn Harriers and incorporates the Northern 10K road championships, welcoming an elite field.

It is a popular post-festive classic on fast, undulating traffic-free roads through the Ribble Valley’s stunning surroundings.

Three males represented for Road Runners, with Andrew Norman leading in 40:42, followed by Michael Kermode - just six seconds later in 40:48 - and Phil McArdle, in 48:43.

Gayle Gerrard and Carol Richardson flew the flag for the ladies, Gerrard finishing first in 49:21 and Richardson in 1:02:21.

Elsewhere, Andrew Parkinson completed his 100th parkrun at the ever-busy and ever-tough Heaton Park in a brilliant 30:45 - edging ever closer to his desired sub-30.