KATIE Gerrard was a race-winner for Vale Royal Athletics Club during the fourth match of the Manchester Cross Country League.

She was more than 30 seconds ahead of her closest rival, Stockport Harriers’ Ellen Downs, by the end of the under 17s girls’ race at Boggart Hole Clough in Blackley.

Top 15 finishes for Clara Pettitt and Chloe Broad in the same race earned second spot for Vale Royal in the age group’s team standings.

Edward Pettitt celebrated his first win in the series in the under 11s boys’ category, while Jade Evans recorded her best result so far in the senior women’s race.

She was 24th overall, fourth in the under 20s women’s bracket.

Rob Olliver was highest-ranked Vale Royal runner in the senior men’s race, placing inside the top 50, while Tony Archer scooped second spot in the men’s over 55s age class.