A CLASH with other events left the organisers of Gargrave Show fell race wondering if their numbers would be affected.

However despite Burnsall Sports and the more arduous nine-mile Pendle Three Peaks race taking place on the same day, a total of 130 runners took part in the five races at the show, ranging from the youngest runner, six-year-old Ollie Athersmith from Skipton to veteran runner 67-year-old Maurice Smith from Hyde in Manchester.

Jacob Reeday, from Hetton, was the first prize winner of the day when he won the under nines race. He led home the field followed by Keighley and Craven Athletic club runners Lachlan Wills and James Sadler Townsend. Eight-year-old Mollie Smith from Silsden and a member of Wharfedale Harriers was the first girl home and Neive Roberts was the first local competitor.

Twenty eight runners lined up for the under 12s race. There was another victory for the Smith family when Wharfedale club runner 11-year-old Sam stormed home in a time of 5.56. Gargrave's Will Atkinson, a member of Keighley and Craven Athletics Club, was second and first local runner. Fellow Keighley and Craven runner Lily Carr was the first girl.

Thirteen-year-old Logan Hargreaves, a Wharfedale club runner from Ilkley, won the under 14s race. He was followed by Louis Hudson, one of the younger runners in the category, a member of Keighley and Craven athletics club and son of former fell running star, Robert Hudson. Clayton le Moors Harrier Briony Holt was the first girl home and Gargrave's Katie Atkinson was second girl and first local runner.

Local running clubs were again to the fore in the under 17s section with Wharfedale providing the winner through Thomas Nelson, and Keighley and Craven runners Joe Hudson and Tom Barrett in second and third position. Tom also picked up the local prize. Florence Reed from West Bridgford in Nottingham was first girl.

Barlick Fell runner Jimmy Craig, 25, defended his crown in the senior race and led a field of 58 runners. He was followed home by Luke Maude of Bradley who is also a member of the Barlick Fell runners. Third was Lee Athersmith and first veteran was Neil Armitage, of Pudsey and Bramley. First local was Jim Roberts, of Gargrave, and the first lady was Rachel Hill of Settle. Second lady was Jayne Butterworth, of Gargrave, who also won the first local lady prize.

All prizes were presented in the main ring and the organisers were fortunate to have Harry McKell and John Weatherill in the crowd. Harry's father Donald donated a trophy to the sports section many years ago and is presented to the highest placed local male runner from any category. The Weatherill shield was donated a few years ago by the Weatherill family and this is given to the highest placed local female runner from any category.

John presented the shield to Katie Atkinson, while Harry presented his father's trophy to Katie's younger brother Will.