THE final finishing line has arrived at the age of 78, for a long-time prominent figure in the fell racing world, Peter Bland, who sadly has become yet another victim of the coronavirus.

A Windermere lad, Peter had first made his mark in Craven when contesting junior events in the late 1950’s era, but a compound double fracture of his left leg, almost ended his career before it had hardly started.

Indeed, he displayed terrific fortitude to be even able to return to walking, let alone running on any ground.

And – having thankfully, albeit narrowly-defied amputation, he was noted from thereon midst a successful career in open-age competition, triggering his damaged leg almost sideways.

Newer arrivals to fell racing might have better associated him at many meetings with his trades van, labelling the sportswear firm which he himself had founded nearly 40 years ago. Also his organising of some popular present day events.

However, his hitherto competitive career had been highly successful despite his gait-restricting handicap.

And while he achieved considerable success elsewhere, he also went through an entire decade of many races in Craven, when hardly ever failing to finish in the first three or four.

Peter particularly excelled on the longer climbs. And victories in the fell race contested up and down the towering Rise Hill, at Dent sports in 1964 and the Ingleborough Mountain Race which he won in 1966, figured amongst his impressive tally of Craven conquests.

Progressively though, throughout the 1970’s and 80’s onwards, he concentrated more and more on the ultra-distance fell and mountain races, and again with some glowing results.

His 60 years of involvement in the sport also included lengthy spells as England fell and mountain running team manager, also as a long-time member of the F.R.A committee.

Peter predictably met his latest and biggest challenge with typical gritty resoluteness, but just three weeks after being diagnosed with covid, and a week after being admitted to hospital, he finally failed to defy insurmountable odds.