IT WAS was the younger runners who showed everyone the way at this year’s Cracoe Fell Race.

At the head of 69 senior runners, the first three into the finishing funnel were all under-23s.

First was Jack Smith of Wharfedale Harriers, with Oscar Meanwell of Borrowdale second and Jonny Bradshaw of Wharfedale Harriers third.

The course was made soft by recent rain and the peat bogs didn’t disappoint as they were knee deep in parts, making the race to Cracoe Pinnacle, and back, interesting and varied underfoot.

Adding to the challenge were warm, humid conditions and the false summit two thirds of the way to the top.

The trailer used as a stile to mount a wall provided endless amusement for spectators as all runners, except the under-9s, had to clamber over it to reach their destination.

The first lady home was Wharfedale’s Emma Hopkinson, who is enjoying a highly successful season.

Second lady was Caroline Lambert of Wetherby and Lucy Needham of Holmfirth Harriers was third.

In the under-17 race, Thomas Nelson of Wharfedale Harriers was first past the post, followed by Matthew Merrick of Bingley Harriers and Wharfedale’s Harry Muir in third place.

First under-17 girl was Lucy Haines of Ilkley Harriers, second was Victoria Merrick of Bingley Harriers and third home was Katherine Lawson of Helm Hill.

The winner of the under-14 race was Joshua Boyle of Hyndburn, adding another win to his impressive season, with Alex Stewart of Bingley Harriers second and Joe Hudson of Keighley & Craven in third place.

The first girl was Briony Holt of Clayton-le-Moors followed by Oliver Roper of Bingley Harriers and Wharfedale Harriers' Emily Jones in third place.

Settle Harriers' Thomas Marshall was first to the tape in the under-12s' race, with two Keighley & Craven boys, Louis Hudson and Will Atkinson, in second and third places.

First girl was Keighley and Craven’s Lilli Carr, with Charlotte Barrett of Wharfedale Harriers in second place and Rossendale’s Lauryn Gregg claiming a top-three spot.

The first under-nine home was Evan Allan of Allithwaite. Second was Luke Forshaw, with Douglas Seggar-Staveley of Settle Harriers in third place.

The first girl back down the hill was Wharfedale’s Helena Roberts. Second was Eibhlis Price, also of Wharfedale, and third girl was Hattie Bishop.