DESPITE a few days of rain making the ground soft and muddy in places, runners and spectators were blessed with clear skies for the 2016 Bradley Fell Race which forms a key part of the annual village show.

The senior course is 3.6 miles long and comprises varied terrain to the hills above High Bradley, before a fast and furious return to the show field.

Sixty six runners took part in the senior race which saw cyclocross star Paul Oldham reach the summit in first place, but he was passed on the descent by some talented fell runners to finish in fourth place. Chris Miller from Harrogate and District AC opened up a good lead on his rivals winning the race in 25:09, 30 seconds ahead of Wharfedale teammates, Marc Sennett and Lee Athersmith in second and third.

Ian Willis from Keighley & Craven was first MV40 and sixth overall in 27:05, Richard Annable from Skipton first MV50 and Harry Atkinson from Bingley Harriers first MV60. Nick Bergin from Craven Energy was first Local man in 28th place overall

The ladies' race saw 2015 winner Helen Glover from Keighley & Craven retain her title, finishing in 28:47, 24 seconds ahead of Sarah Tipler from Barlick Fell Runners.

The race for third place saw Jann Smith from Ilkley Harriers finish ahead of Mel Ives from Skipton AC. Smith was the first LV40 runner.

Denise Wright from Bingley Harriers improved on her own first local record by more than a minute to become the second lady finisher. the First LV50 runner Anne Handley of Ilkley Harriers.

The under-17s race was won by Matthew Mackay of Rossendale Harriers in 22:51, with Tom Barrett from Keighley & Craven in second and Logan Hargreaves-Madhas in third.

A strong run by Emily Field earned her first place in the girls race in 29:07 ahead of Keighley & Craven girls Katie Atkinson and Alana Willis in second and third.

The under-14s race which was won in a time of 10:51 by Alex Thompson of Wharfedale Harriers ahead of club mate Sam Smith with Eric Beaumont in third.

The first girl was Ruby Firth of Bingley Harriers ahead of Charlotte Barrett from Wharfedale Harriers.

The under-12s saw a clean sweep of medals in the boy’s race by Keighley & Craven with Addison Willis taking first place in 7:02, ahead of Andrew Robinson and Donnabhan Rudden with just seven seconds departing the three.

The club also had the first girl in Beth Roberts, who was fifth overall ahead of Wharfedale Harriers Katie Handley and Tui Brooks. Charlie Teale was first local boy and Alice Atkinson first local girl.

The under-nines race comprised 27 runners with Otis Brooks from Wharfedale Harriers taking first place in 3:09, just five seconds ahead of first girl and local runner Emily Anderson from Wharfedale Harriers.

The second boy was Logan McCredie of Barlick Fell Runners, with Oscar Abruzzese of Wharfedale Harriers in third.

The second girl was Millie Timbers from Keighley & Craven with Mathilda Evans in third. Daniel Ridehalgh was first local boy.