ILKLEY Harriers' Euan Brennan almost pulled off an incredible Italian job at the International Youth Mountain Running Cup in Lanzada, but his European adventure still ended with a fine second-placed finish in 20 minutes and 34 seconds.

Brennan's efforts on Saturday ensured England Boys comfortably wrapped up the team title though, as his teammates Matty Mackay (Rossendale Harriers) and Joe Hudson (Keighley & Craven) came first and fifth respectively.

Their positions were combined to give England eight points, comfortably ahead of runners-up France (18 points) and bronze-medal winning Italy (36 points).

It was also a packed weekend of racing for other Harriers. Jack Cummings came second in the steep Buckden Pike Fell Race with a time of 36.26 seconds.

Cummings returned to defend his title, but was up against the master of all the Wharfedale Fell races, Ted Mason, who led from the start. He held on to second place though, finishing six seconds ahead of Sam Watson.

The ladies race was less tense, with Helen Wood of Ilkley Harriers taking a comfortable victory ahead of Jenny Gillies of Spey Runners, crossing the line in 44.45.

Ewan Welsh returned to Arran at the weekend, taking part in the first Tarsuinn Trail race, which crosses several peaks on the island. The event was the shorter 25-kilometre event, as part of an Ultra Race.

The changing weather was a factor, with the freezing starting conditions making way for extreme heat as the race progressed. Welsh ran well though, and finished in five hours and 20 minutes before dashing to catch the last ferry home!

Dick Waddington found the weather also contributed to tricky running in the Great Lakes Fell Race, organised by Ambleside AC.

A rule that prohibits the use of GPS tipped the balance of the race and the cloudy weather proved tricky. as it meant Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike and Scafell all had to be navigated with limited visibility of about 50 metres.

Despite a wrong turn, Waddington performed well and finished 25th in a time of 4.53.04.

There was a good turnout of Harriers at the Otley 10 and Robert Little continued his success on the road, running superbly to finish second in less than an hour, recording a time of 56.38.

There was also a 10-mile debut for Will Buckton, who came 71st in 1.09.40. Also in Otley, Cummings was third in the 4.5km climb Chevin fell race with a time of 17.57.

Jann Smith was the 2nd F45 at the Barrowford Podium 5k in 21.43, securing her 81st place.

Alex Hirst stormed to a magnificent fourth position in the Cardiff 5k Parkrun, with a time of 18.15. Neil Pomfret achieved a personal best in the Skipton equivalent, coming 20th in 21.58. Hilda Coulsey (26.35) was 80th in the same race.

Rob Cunningham finished 23rd in 18.59 at the popular Stretford Parkrun, while Arthur Reilly secured 45th at Bradford in 22.41. Finally Tim Buckingham was 44th in Halifax with a time of 23.50.