RUNNERS from three clubs based in Warrington were in action during the first round of the North West Cross Country League on Sunday.

The race, at Liverpool’s Clarke Gardens, attracted more than 400 runners representing 22 running clubs from across Cheshire, Merseyside and South Lancashire.

Graham Houghton led the local runners home, the Spectrum Striders athlete coming home third with clubmate Karl Steinegger close behind in seventh place.

Mark Heavey was the first Warrington Road Runners athlete to finish when he crossed the line in 15th place.

With the first six runners from each team scoring points, Birchwood-based Spectrum Striders sit third in the men’s standing ahead of a combined team of Lymm and Warrington Road Runners just behind them in fourth.

Warrington Running Club are 12th.

In the women’s race, Spectrum’s Claire Andrew came home in seventh place while Bobbie Lomax was the first Warrington Running Club athlete to cross the line in 11th.

Spectrum’s Liz Whitfield (15th) and Jane Lowe (27th) also finished in the top 30.

With points going to the first three athletes from each team, Spectrum Striders ladies finished in fifth position, Warrington Running Club in 12th and the combined team from Lymm and Warrington Road runners in 14th.

The league’s next event takes place on Sunday, November 13, at Skelmersdale’s Beacon Park.