Two of Craven’s top female runners returned from injury in stunning style last weekend in two very different events.

Hebden’s Victoria Wilkinson, who tore ankle ligaments at the Buckden Pike Fell race in June, was in action in Switzerland where she finished sixth in the he infamously tough Sierre-Zinal race.

In contrast, Mary Wilkin- son – no relation – from Long Preston – was competing in the World Mountain running championship trials at Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick where she clinched a place in the Great Britain team for the evnt in Poland.

Victoria, who has been in dominant form in the British and English Fell running Championships this year, tested herself against the world’s best long distance runners in Switzerland.

She not only faced a world class field but also the challenge of 19 tough miles including 7,200ft of climbing.

Victoria conquered the course and was mixing it at the front of the race eventually finishing an impressive sixth in 3 hours 12 minutes behind race winner Italy star Elisa Desco.

Equally impressive was Victoria’s result in the shorter Thyon-Dixence mountain race where she was third.

Such results seemed unlikely two months ago when she needed the aid of crutches to walk and extensive treatment from her physio Denise Park.

Closer to home Victoria’s Bingley Harriers team mate Mary returned to racing by coming third in a strong field.

The trial race saw competitors take on an unusual two-lap course that started with downhill and finished uphill opposed to the more traditional courses typically used.

Mary adapted to the challenge well finishing third in a strong senior women’s race won by Emma Clayton of Leeds to secure her place.

Both Victoria and Mary will be hoping to stay clear of injury as Victoria turns her attention back to the British Fell Running Championships and Mary targets the World Championships in Poland.