Victoria Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers set a new course record of 45 minutes 28 seconds to win the ladies race in the 25th running of the Jack Bloor Fell Race on Ilkley Moor.

She made light of the damp and cool conditions to win in emphatic style from Lucy Griffiths of Holmfirth.

Laura Martin of Otley in third and who was also the first lady over 40. The first ladies team was, as usual, Ilkley Harriers.

The men’s race was won in dramatic style by 18-year-old orienteer Peter Hodkinson of Erewash Valley in only his third fell race.

He overtook 2008 winner Chris Birchall of Leeds City with a hair-raising descent from the last control.

Hodkinson said: “I loved it. Living in Nottingham isn’t exactly the best place for hills or fell racing so its always awesome fun when I get to do it – only my third time and I’m liking it more every time!

“I can’t really see how the race could have been better except for the weather – nice route, nice prizes.” He clearly has a great future on the fells.

Third was 2009 winner Graham Pearce of Pudsey & Bramley followed by the current course record holder, Greg Hull of Leeds City who also claimed the veteran over 40 trophy.

The over 50 prize went to Ian Rowbotham of Ilkley Harriers. The team competition was won by Pudsey & Bramley with Ilkley Harriers and Wharfedale Harriers tying in second place.

The junior races had a field of over 100 runners for classes from six to 16 years old. The 6/7 yrs boys race was won by Jack Muir of Wharfedale Harriers with Katie Cox of Keighley & Craven winning the girls.

Two Wharfedale Harriers runners, Logan Hargreaves and Shona Bent, won the boys and girls 8/9 yrs race in a record field of 37 runners whilst Phil Done and Ellie Lambert took the 10/13 yrs age honours for the same club.

The smallest field for the 14/16 yrs class was won by Lova Chechik of Eborienteers with local girl Florence Haines of Ilkley starting the summer season with a win in the girls race.

Wharfedale Harriers and Ilkley Harriers had a lot of runners near the top of the results reflecting all the hard work being put into developing their junior groups.

Otley’s Andrew Robertshaw had a good run to finish 18th. He was supported by Huw Illingworth (52nd), Laura Martin (61st), James Sneath (90th), Adam Baird (94th), Pange Srivistava (128th), Matt Podd (145th), Liz Fawcett (162nd) Sarah McBrinn (170th), Michael Fryer (179th), Bob Payne (180th), David Cattenach (205th) and Antonio Cardinale (214th).

On Wednesday the second John Carr race at Esholt resulted in a clear win for James Smith of Leeds City in 15.02. Ben Crowther of Halifax just pipped Chris Edwin of Bingley for second place. Mary Wilkinson of Bingley was first lady in 16.54.

First home for Otley was Lloyd Best, who finished 48th in 18.18. Other Otley finishes were Mick Jeffrey (72nd), Michael Pickard (73rd), Karen Best (74th), Bob Baker (133rd), Caroline Marler (167th), Don Buffham (181st) and Kath Robertshaw (198th) On Saturday the popular Meanwood Valley Trail race attracted more than 250 runners.

Tim Midgley of Bingley won the race in 43.06 with the Pudsey and Bramley members Colin Walker and Matthew Lockyer second and third respectively. Pauline Munro of Bingley was first lady and 16th overall in 49.57.

Otley’s Steve Wallis had a good run for 19th in 50.37. Other Otley placings were Mick Jeffrey (35th), Jack Robertshaw (75th), John Dade (105th) and Kath Robertshaw (193rd).

Sunday saw the running of one of the country’s most scenic races – the Windermere Marathon. Starting at Brathay Hall, near Ambleside, the route consists of a single large loop enclosing the lake and the lesser-known Esthwaite Water.

The race proved to be a runaway win for James Buis of Heaton Harriers, who finished in 2.33.19, some way ahead of Niku Millot of Aberdeen with Brian Cole of Royal Navy Marines in third. Otley’s sole representative was Julian Mawson who continued a remarkable season with another excellent run for fourth place in 2.48.31.

After the recent long cold spell, the bright sunshine had the runners at Saturday’s Meanwood Valley Trail Race worrying about the effect of the heat. For the first time in 15 years of the race, instead of ploughing along muddy paths and tracks competitors returned relatively mud free.

Tim Midgeley of Bingley made the most of the conditions to win in 43:06.

There was a bit of a battle to be first Skyrac runner home with Ian Brocklebank leading the race, but dropping to 36th nine seconds behind Chris Dove who finished 34th in 52:36.

A minute behind was Bob Pritchard in 43rd. The Skyrac old guard of Peter Rawnsley 143rd in 65:19, Ian Rhodes 195th in 72:00, and Roger Dawson 250th in 84:54 ran well.

Skyrac’s young athletes we up early Sunday morning to go to the Northern Division One meeting at Sheffield and were up against some strong opposition.

They came a creditable 3rd with 340 points. Skyrac had many firsts and personal best performances.