WORLD class mountain runner Ben Mounsey (Calder Valley) battled with both rivals and the furnace-like temperatures to win in a time of 39 minutes 44 seconds at Kirkby Gala fell race.

At more than five miles in length with over 1,300ft of climb, this is the longest race in the series and this year, definitely the hottest.

After the race, Mounsey declared that the heat was a tougher opponent than his human rivals and was grateful to those who doused him in copious amounts of water.

Even in milder temperatures the double summit of Out Park and Bank House Moor are a challenge for all runners.

The searing sun on the day was only part of the issue as the glorious weather so far this summer has preheated and baked the ground making it rock hard and hot underfoot.

As if to add insult to injury, the heather radiated heat making the bound across the moorland a hot and heavy trial.

Despite the relentless heat that hit you like a train as you returned over Out Park to commence the final descent, Mounsey was over two minutes in front of second man Ilkley Harriers’ Jack Cummings (41.49) and Wharfedale Harriers’ Jack Smith (41.57).

Local lady, Black Coombe Runners’ Hollie Orr stormed home to win the ladies' race (47.27) finishing 16th overall.

Second lady was Ribble Valley Harriers’ Kirsty Hall (51.02) with Wharfedale’s Jean Powell taking third place (56.23).

The Under-17s race turns and returns at the summit of Out Park but was no less challenging for the younger runners.

First to run back round the Gala field was Wharfedale’s Sam Smith (19.00), followed by Helm Hill duo Ollie Sanders in second (19.43) and Robert Askew third (20.54).

Settle Harriers’ Ben Greenep won the U14 race (16.24) by a clear margin from Helm Hill’s Henry Hunter (16.59) and Wharfedale’s Addison Willis third (17.31).

Local girl, Cumberland’s Emily Swarbrick, won the girls’ race (18.18) from Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane in second (18.38) and Cumberland’s Fayth Bowness third (21.07).

The U12 race was dominated by Barlick Fell Runners in both the girls' and boys' races.

Jacob Reeday won the boys' race (9.09), ahead of Leven Valley’s Will McNally (9.49) and Helm Hill’s Leo Ranner (10.25).

Meanwhile, Lucille Pickles shot over the finish line to win the girls’ race (10.32) from Woodford Green’s Verity Ross (11.12) and Cumberland’s Zoe Brannon (12.06).

The U9 race is a double lap of the gala field and becomes a mad charge as the young runners chase each other all the way.

The boys didn’t get it all their own way as boys’ race winner, Settle Harriers’ Carl Sanderson (3.02), had girls’ race winner, Hoad Hill Harriers’ Lowen Steele, hot on his heels (3.07).

Second boy was Barlick’s Isaac Reeday (3.11) with the second girl, Helm Hill’s Emmy Ranner, breathing down his neck (3.13).

To maintain consistency, the third boy, Barlick’s Oscar Clayton (3.30), was hotly pursued by third girl Cumberland’s Bethany Swarbrick (3.33).