HEBDEN runner Victoria Wilkinson became the ladies champion of the Three Peaks Race for the fifth time on Saturday.

Wilkinson, who runs for Bingley Harriers, recently turned 40 and as such, her time of three hours, 20 minutes and one second, set a new record in the Three Peaks women's V40 category.

Her time placed her 26th overall and her team, Bingley Harriers, won the women's team title, and she also praised another local team, the Wharfedale Harriers, for winning the men's vets title.

"We had the worst window of weather as it was cold, wet, windy and hailing," said Wilkinson. "It wasn't the three hours, nine minutes and 19 seconds that I had when I set the women's record two years ago, but I got a decent result.

"A total of 914 people entered and 750 finished, which is good in those conditions."

Wilkinson added: "I do love the Three Peaks Race because there is a lot of local support out there, which gives you a boost."

* A full Three Peaks report with pictures is on Page 63.