Sunshine and rainbows for final fell race of BOFRA season

As with all good endings, the BOFRA season closer is a challenging 2.5-mile, 2,400ft of ascent, beast of a race. The day had started with low cloud and rain but improved as time progressed to give clear visibility for the senior race to the fell summit.

Senior race winner, Chris Edis of Keswick led the pack of 47 hardened runners from the start and seemed to sprint up the fell, completing the gruelling course in an impressive 38 mins 59 secs. Second man home was Wharfedale Harriers’ Paul Lambert and third was Mike Robinson of Dark Peak.

Just to prove that there is gold at the end of the rainbow, the first lady down the steep sided fell was Ambleside’s Hazel Robinson in a time of 47.16, in a repeat of her win last year. In another bout of deja vue from 2013, the second lady was again Wharfedale’s Kirsty Hall. Third was Nina Walkingshaw of Cumbrian Fell Runners.

In the under-17 race, Wharfedale’s Thomas Nelson proved, yet again, that he is a force to be reckoned with as he stormed up the fell and back in 25.37. Second place went to the Mercia Runner, Billy Starling and third was Helm Hill’s Jacob Aubrey.

The first under-17 girl was Wharfedale’s Ellie Lambert in 30.18. She was followed to the line by Helm Hill’s Katherine Lawson and Mia Senior.

The under-14 race was won by Broughton Runners’ Joe Edmondson in a time of 7.58 with Keighley and Craven’s Joe Hudson second andWharfedale’s Robbie Johnstone in third place.

The first girl was Helm Hill’s Mia Walsh in 8.52 ahead of clubmate Imogen Burrow and Wharfedale’s Emily Jones.

The mixed under 9-under12 race was won by Keighley and Craven’s Louis Hudson in a time of 4.10. The second boy home was Broughton Runners’ Ben Edmondson. Hot on his heels for third place was club mate Alfie Thorpe.

The first under-12 girl was Wharfedale’s Charlotte Barrett in 4.42, followed by Rossendale Harriers’ Lauryn Gregg andWharfedale’s Alice Jones.