THERE was a dramatic start to the senior men’s race at Ambleside Sports and Guides’ Fell Race when a mass tumble caused many runners to indulge in a spot of impromptu hurdling before charging off up the fell.

Helm Hill’s Mark Addison didn’t let events distract him as he repeated his win of 2014 in exactly the same time of 13.59.

Second place went to Borrowdale’s Oscar Meanwell who finished nearly a minute later in 14.58. Third was Wharfedale Harriers’ Ted Mason in 15.13.

The first lady was Keswick AC’s Catherine Spurden (17.36) from Wetherby’s Caroline Lambert (18.40) and Helm Hill’s Catherine Niblock (20.28).

Bingley Harriers’ twins, Matthew and Victoria Merrick romped home first in the under-17 boys’ and girls’ races respectively.

Matthew finished in a time of 15.25 while sister Victoria clocked 19.27. The second and third-placed boys were Cumberland Fell Runners’ Joseph Dugdale (15.26) and Wharfedale Harriers Thomas Nelson (15.43).

Helm Hills’ Imogen Burrow (20.17) and Ambleside’s Hannah Durkin (21.09) were second and third in the girls race.

Keighley and Craven brothers Joe and Louis Hudson produced a one-two in the under-14 race as Joe finished first (12.33) and Louis was second in 12.39. Third place went to Eden Runners’ Sam Almond (12.56).

The girls’ race was won by Helm Hill’s Katie Thurlow (14.53) with Lauryn Gregg (16.14) and Helm Hill’s Lottie Beardwood (16.49) following her home.

The mixed under-12 and under-nine race had 84 runners and was won by Kendal’s Fraser Sproul in 7.51. The Wharfedale duo of Alexander Thompson (8.12), and Sam Smith (8.17) were second and third respectively..

Wharfedale also had the second and third runners in the girls race through Alice Jones (9.30) and Charlotte Barrett (9.34). Ambleside’s Chloe Rylance repeated her 2014 win.