CONTINUING with a theme for this year, the British weather could not make it’s mind up for Arncliffe Gala fell races.

The junior races were run in a mixture of cloud, light drizzle and the odd spot of sunshine, while the senior race was run in glorious, though breezy, sunshine.

Tradition, and the permanent line on the road through the village, dictate that all races start by the green with a mad sprint to reach a rough track.

The dash is to ensure a good position before the width of the track is narrowed by menacing-looking nettles that line the way until the fell's base is reached.

Once on the fell, the terrain is no kinder to the ankles as the thin mantle of grass merely disguises the rough, rocky layer lurking beneath.

The climb now begins in earnest as the course becomes a lung-busting ascent to the large white flag marking the top and the under-14 turning point.

However, while the under-14s can now launch themselves down the uneven hillside, the seniors and under-17s must take a sharp left turn and run along an equally ankle-wrecking skyline to the cairn.

This marks their turn point and the descent can commence as the race returns diagonally down the fell towards the under-12 flag and some seriously steep, craggy terrain leading back to the track and eventual finish line.

Copious rain the previous night ensured that the track was blessed with several deep puddles and a stream, thereby ensuring that only the most stealthy of runners returned without an additional layer of slippery mud and soggy feet.

The winner of the senior race, Mercia’s Simon Bailey (10.27), completed his hat-trick of wins at Arncliffe.

Second place was taken by Appletreewick’s Ted Mason (10.55), while third went to Ilkley Harriers’ Jack Wood (11.20).

Helm Hill’s Katherine Lawson won the ladies' race (14.13) with Pudsey & Bramley’s Rachel Pilling (14.30) second and Ripon Runners’ Sally Haughton (14.43) third.

The under-17 race, run separately to the seniors but over the same course, was won by Helm Hill’s Jacob Aubrey (11.44).

Wharfedale Harriers’ Logan Hargreaves-Madhas was second past the permanent line (12.27), and third was taken by Ambleside’s Jake Shuttleworth (12.32).

Wharfedale’s Emily Jones won the under-17 girls’ race (16.05), followed by Rossendale Harriers’ Corinna Howorth (16.47) and Keighley & Craven’s Alana Willis (26.26).

Maintaining his excellent form this season, Keighley’s Louis Hudson won the under-14 race (8.53), with second and third going to Settle Harriers’ Thomas Marshall (8.57) and Ambleside’s Ben Edmondson (9.04).

Keeping winning in the family, Wharfedale’s in-form Alice Jones won the girls' race (10.05), followed by Rossendale’s Lauryn Gregg (10.49) and Wharfedale clubmate Freya Mitchell (11.25).

The under-12 race was won by Clayton-le-Moors’ Dexta Thompson (7.09), the minor placings being taken by Ilkley’s Lewis Carr (7.16) and Calder Valley’s James Duffy (7.19).

The first and second girls were the well-travelled Olesia Winder of Leven Valley (7.37) and Broughton Runners' Emily Swarbrick (7.58).

Third place went to Beth Roberts, of Keighley & Craven (8.03).

The under-nine race was won by Barlick’s Jacob Reeday (5.35), while second and third were Keighley’s James Sadler-Townsend (5.38) and Oliver Bailey (5.45), son of the senior winner.

The girls’ winner was Wharfedale’s Emily Anderson (6.09), followed by Keighley’s Katie Buckley (6.17) and unattached runner Scarlett Harrison (6.37).