Midnight celebration for first team

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Runners and times in full

Ian Weatherill, Simon Sharp, Steve Whitaker and Neil Alderman finished the 100km course in an impressive 17 hours and 10 minutes, a full half hour clear of their nearest rivals and some 13 hours ahead of the last finishing trekker.

"We're fairly happy with that," said Mr Weatherill, 48. "We're all cyclists, so we know we are all pretty fit." The team work for Hope Technology, a manufacturer of bicycle parts based in Barnoldswick. They have all been cycling enthusiasts for many years, but in spite of their impressive fitness levels Mr Weatherill said that just a few hours into the race an injury almost forced him out.

"We actually set off running, but after the first 20-odd kilometres I thought I would have to pull out," he said. "Luckily I just about managed to carry on. The hardest part was probably the warmth out there during the day – it was a bit hot, I have to say." As with many of his fellow competitors, Mr Weatherill was also forced to battle on as blisters began to take their toll.

"Most of the skin's missing off my feet now," he said cheerfully. "It'll be a few weeks now before I can walk properly again, but that's the way it goes."

"We were within about 10 minutes of finishing on the same day," Mr Weatherill said. "That was one of the goals we had in mind. We came pretty close – it was 13 minutes past midnight when we came over the line. "