The 2016 BOFRA season opened in traditional style at the Sedbergh Gala Fell Race.

The doom-mongers – otherwise known as weather reporters – promised rain for at least part of the day.

They were right but the rain disappeared and the sun shone during all the races, giving competitors and spectators a glorious day out.

Despite the forecast, and poor weather earlier in the day, 71 seniors and 101 juniors aged from six to 16 lined up for their individual races.

The senior race winner was Barlick Fell Runners Jimmy Craig (19.53) followed by Helm Hill’s Tom Addison (20.15) and third place was taken by Wharfedale Harriers’ Jonny Bradshaw (20.06). First lady was Howgill Harriers’ Heidi Dent (22.29) with Wharfedale’s Kirsty Hall second (23.43) and third lady home was Helm Hill’s Katherine Lawson (26.00).

The under-17 route followed a similar course to the senior race but turns about half way up Winder, returning via the same route. This year’s winner was Keighley and Craven’s Joe Hudson (13.09). second and third boys were Reuben Copley of Dallam (13.41) and Wharfedale’s Adam Gibson (14.05).

First girl was last year’s under-12 champ, Briony Holt of Clayton le Moors (15.24). The second girl home was Kendal’s Abbie Allan (16.00) and third girl was Wharfedale’s Emily Jones.

The under-144 race is shorter than the U17 but is no less competitive. This year is marked by the inclusion of some extremely good young fell runners, any one of whom could win the race on any given day. The winner was local boy Fraser Sproul (11.47), continuing his impressive form on the fells. Second and third boys were Keighley and Craven’s Louis Hudson (11.57) and Settle Harriers’ Thomas Marshall (12.13.

First girl was Wharfedale’s Alice Jones (14.07). Second and third girls were Lauryn Gregg of Rossendale Harriers (14.12) and Helm Hill’s Lottie Beardwood.

The under-12 race might be the shortest race of the day but it is possibly the most furious race of the series. This year’s podium was populated entirely by Helm Hill athletes.

First was James Bowen (7.15), second Henry Hunter (7.23) and third was James’ twin brother Harry (7.35). The first girl to charge across the finish filed was Houghton Harriers Amy Leonard (8.23), followed by Ella Dorrington of Clayton le Moors (8.25) and Broughton runners’ Emily Swarbrick (8.28).