THE results might have had a familiar look to them but the conditions for Saturday's year’s BOFRA Helm Hill Race certainly weren't.

The weather was warm and rather wet by the time the senior race got under way. The trees, tall bracken, foxgloves, wild sage and wide variety of calling birds made the course feel more like a rainforest than Cumbria.

It was certainly a tough challenge but that didn't deter the 85 seniors and 100 juniors who took part.

Mercia’s Simon Bailey again battled with other tough competitors around the course to romp home first in the senior race.

Barlick’s Jimmy Craig was second and Wharfedale Harriers’ James Hall was third.

The ladies race was also a familiar sight as Wharfedale’s Kirsty Hall won, with Hunter’s Bog Trotters team mates Georgia Tindley and Briony Curtis second and third respectively.

By contrast with the senior race, the rain held off for the juniors. The warmth facilitated some impressive and fast running.

Helm Hill’s Erin Bagge won the under-17 girls event from Settle Harriers’ Emily Carpenter and Keighley and Craven’s Alana Willis who completed the podium.

The under-14 race was a fierce battle between a clutch of talented runners and was won on this occasion by Wharfedale’s Alex Thompson.

He was followed home by Settle’s Thomas Marshall, while his brother Will Thompson was third.

Ambleside’s Chloe Rylance took the honours in the girls race as she held off the challenge from Wharfedale Harriers’ Lauryn Gregg, and Helm Hill’s Lottie Beardwood.

Victory in the under-12 race went to Ambleside’s James Bowen. His twin brother Harry was third with Helm Hill's Henry Hunter in second place.

Broughton Runners’ Emily Swarbrick, Clayton-le-Moors Ella Dorrington and Ambleside’s Sophie Rylance filled the top three places in the girls event.

The under-nine boys’ race was won by Ambleside’s Alex Graham from Helm Hill's Leo Ranner and Simon Rigby.

The girls’ race was won by Barlick’s Lucille Pickles, with Keighley and Craven’s Neive Roberts and Ambleside’s Seren Green filling second and third places respectively.