SARAH Murphy claimed a national title on Sunday when she reached the finish first in the British Masters Athletic Federation's 5km Road Championships at Horwich.

The Vale Royal Athletics Club member was fastest in the women’s over 40s category, and took gold too in the team standings with Liz Renondeau – runner-up in the women’s over 35s age class – and Carolyn Dooley.

The latter ran a personal best for the course, while Murphy and Renondeau were second and third women overall.

Meanwhile Pauline Davies took silver for Vale Royal in the women’s over 65s race, while Helen Smith was fourth in the women's over 45s age-group.

Brian Dooley (men's over 45) performed solidly on an undulating course, timing 18.53.

Results

British Masters Athletic Federation 5km Road Championships

Saturday, June 16

55. Sarah Murphy (W40) 18.06

58. Liz Renondeau (W35) 18.15

72. Brian Dooley (M45) 18.47

91. Carolyn Dooley (W40) 19.47

110. Helen Smith (W45) 21.15

145. Pauline Davies (W65) 24.42