THE Muker Fell Race was staged on a sunny September day in Swaledale and the event proved to be a real scorcher

A hardy bunch of 66 senior competitors competed while the junior numbers were low as the vast majority were back at school.

Starting in the show field all races bound down the fields to cross the River Swale. This year, the peaty river was relatively low so no rope was needed to guide runners across, as the water was a mere knee deep in parts, compared to waist deep the previous year. Once over the river there is a soggy dash to the concrete track at Ramps Holme Farm and thence to the fell proper.

The ground was dry making the climb a firm footed, lungbusting, hand over hand, 517 feet ascent up Ivelet Side to race summit at High Kidson, marked by a stake in the ground. Complete with burning thighs, runners are now treated to a refreshing skyline run across the bouncy, rabbit hole pocked fell, to the second turn point at Kidson Scar. Contenders must now find their best route down a steep section of fell to the bracken lined path leading them back to Ramps Holme Farm and the route home. Crossing the river for a second time was very welcome to all runners who were now warm from the climb. Despite the late treat, this race has one last sting - an uphill run to the show field and inviting finish funnel.

From the start, this was a battle between some of this season’s top runners.

The men’s race was eventually won by Wharfedale Harriers’ Ted Mason (11.43), with team mate James Hall second in 12.02 and Borrowdale’s Morgan Donnelly third in 12.05.

The ladies race was a class affair with Wharfedale’s Kirsty Hall winning in 14.44 to clinch the ladies championship.

Keswick’s Jenn Mattinson came second in 15.27 and unattached runner Pippa Barrett was third in 16.09.

The sole under-14 runner was local lad Reuben Livingstone-Owen who covered the course in 9.25.

The under-12 race was a little more populated, being won by German visitor Mathis Schluchtermann (5.35). The second and third boys were locals Miles Livingstone-Owen (06:24) and Alfred Atkin (7.12).

The girls’ race was won by the well-travelled Cate Matthew of Lancaster and Morecambe (6.53). The second and third girls were Edith Livingstone-Owen (7.17) and Annabelle Hird (9.05).