PICTURE GALLERY: Rowbotham's Round Rotherham 50 Miles Run/Walk Trail Event

The weather was kind as the competitors gathered for their respective early morning mass starts at Dearne Valley College.

Looking at the start lists beforehand, no clear winner stood out, although 2014 champion Kevin Doyle, from Kimberworth Striders, was in the line-up along with 2013 champ Kevin Hoult from Stadium Runners who eventually came through to win.

By the 30-mile mark at Woodsetts, it looked like the first three runners home were decided and so it transpired as they finished in the same order they had arrived there. First home was Hoult in 6:48, followed by Stephen Shanks (Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets) some seven minutes later in 6:55. Doyle was a fine third in 7:5.

In the ladies race there was a tie for first place between Lizzie Hutson and Susan Keens in 7:52. Those two also tied for second in 2014, again producing a headache in awarding the trophies. Third was Emma Wright of Gateshead Harriers in 8:47.

First team trophies were awarded for the third year in a row to Kimberworth Striders.

By the end 197 runners and walkers had finished with only 17 retirees, a low percentage which reflected the good conditions on the day.

The first Rotherham Harrier home – and winner of the Ralph Rowbotham Trophy – was club chairman Stephen Cotter in his third year of running the event. He even managed to improve his 2014 time by 55 mins with a time of 9:48.

Twenty-five teams entered the relay, including Kimberworth Striders, Maltby Running Club, Rother Valley Swallows, the Harriers and a team who make the trip each year from Dumfries.

Overall winners for the third year on the spin were The Reds Open (Clowne Road Runners) in 5:23.

The winning ladies relay team were Bassetlaw Allsorts (Worksop Harriers), finishing eighth overall in 6:28. Mixed team winners were Wildhogs Mixed (Handsworth Roadhogs) in 6:3. The Harriers provided two teams, the first being Women in Black in 7:52 for 19th place overall.

The club's mixed team, Rotherham Dolls and Geezers, comprised mainly runners from the beginners' group and finished in a fine 8:17, finishing 20th overall.

The 2015 Round Rotherham crowned another successful year for the Trail and Fell running section of the club, perhaps this year even more so as they used electronic timing, making life so much easier for all.

Trail and Fell secretary Sharon Burton thanked volunteers for making it all happen.