HELM Hill was to be the fell that dented the recent run of success for both Ted Mason and Emma Hopkinson.

Conditions were hot and sunny, with very little wind. What breeze there was, was sparse, hot and humid making Cumbria feel more like the equatorial rain forest than North West England. It was extremely dry and firm underfoot making this year’s outing a tough race all round.

The first senior home, from a field of 80 runners, was Mercia’s Simon Bailey, followed by Wharfedale Harriers’ Jack Smith in second place and Wharfedale’s Mason relegated to third.

The first senior lady was Ambleside’s Hazel Robinson, with Wharfedale Harriers’ Emma second and fellow Wharfedale Harriers’ Kirsty Hall, third.

In the under-17s race, Wharfedale Harriers Harry Muir romped home in first place with fellow Wharfedaler, Thomas Nelson in second place, followed by local boy, Helm Hill’s Jack Byrne in third. First girl was local girl, Helm Hill’s Katherine Lawson, followed by Wharfedale Harriers’ Ellie Lambert seond and Helm Hill’s Mia Senior in third place.

The under-14 race was won by Helm Hill’s Robert Askew, followed by Ambleside’s Oli Gajdowski and Wharfedale Harriers’ Robbie Johnstone who were second and third respectively.

The first under-14 girl across the line was Keighley and Craven’s Katie Atkinson. Second was Helm Hill’s Imogen Burrow with Wharfedale Harriers’ Emily Jones third.

Kendal’s Fraser Sproul was again the first under-12 followed by Settle Harriers’ Thomas Marshall in second place and Wharfedale Harriers Jack Muir in third.

Ambleside’s Chloe Rylance was the first under-12 girl. Wharfedale Harriers Charlotte Barrett was second and Keighley and Craven’s Lilli Carr third.

The under-nine race saw Evan Allan finish as the first boy. Second was Matthew Ansell and third was Jamie Harris.

The first girl was Helm Hill’s Clara Samson, with Ambleside’s Sophie Rylance and Grace Allan taking the next two places.