A RUNNING club in the town has come out a winner in a competition to suit the current times – a virtual race!

With Park runs, running races and events unable to take place as usual, intrepid teams from 14 clubs across the country signed up to participate in a virtual relay race "The Lockdown 48-hour Challenge" organised by Yorkshire-based Selby Striders.

Individual runners in each team set off in their allocated time slot with the target of accumulating the most combined mileage for their team from Friday to Sunday lunchtime.

This meant running day and night on paths, roads, treadmills before handing over to the next runner on the social media page, with everyone participating adhered to the Lockdown regulations.

Team captain of the Oswestry Olympians Brian Rothera was delighted that they won the first place trophy with 38 members covering a total distance of 347 miles.

Locally-based Ellesmere Runners and Girls on the Run also competed finishing ninth and sixth respectively.

A spokesman said: "All agreed that because of the social media connection that the event had the excitement of competing in a race and a welcome boost to lifting spirits during lockdown.

"Michelle Newton, of Selby Striders, was delighted that everyone enjoyed participating and hopes to organise another virtual event when the weather is a little warmer.

"Pam Lloyd, who first saw the event and encouraged the groups to participate, ran a one-hour stint for each club."