Runners brave the rain at Burnsall Feast Sports (From Craven Herald)

Runners brave the rain at Burnsall Feast Sports

12:36pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in Local news

More than 200 athletes braved the rain to take part in the senior fell race at Burnsall Feast Sports on Saturday.

But a downpour at lunchtime took its toll on numbers in the 10-mile road race.

“The weather was horrendous and played havoc with the events,” said race secretary Jim Maxfield.

The road race usually attracts about 120 competitors but this year the figure was down to about 80.

“There was a lot of surface water on the minor roads,” said Mr Maxfield. “The conditions were pretty awful.”

Once again the race was dominated by a Leeds City runner, with this year’s honours going to Adam Osborne, who crossed the finish line in 54 minutes and 56 seconds.

Runner-up was Will Smith, from Keighley Craven, and third place went to Matthew Nuttall from Blackburn Harriers.

The weather was much better for the fell race, which went ahead despite a landslip near the route.

Former orienteering specialist Hector Haines set up an early lead and managed to hold off a challenge from three past winners – Appletreewick farmer Ted Mason, who was victorious last year, seven-times winner Ian Holmes and Andy Peace, who has held the title on five occasions.

And the Dales Junior Fell Race was also well supported, with more than 100 entrants.

“For the past two years, the junior fell race has been outstanding in terms of numbers. We used to have about 35 children taking part, but now we have about 100 competing in six age groups,” said Mr Maxfield.