AT the half-way stage of the English Intermediate Fell Racing Championship, Skipton Athletics Club's Lee Athersmith still holds onto the lead, a second place in the third round of the competition at Saddleworth Moor on Saturday keeping him ahead of the pack, (writes Roger Ingham).

Athersmith, who followed a runners-up spot at Meltham in the opening race with a win at Belmont, stayed at the head of the race series when he finished behind West Cumberland's George Crayston in Saturday's Under 20 event.

Only the Intermediate Championship was staged at Saddleworth and the Juniors (Under 16, 14s and 12s) will contest their next round tomorrow at Hutton Roof, near Kirkby Lonsdale, with the first race due to start at 1pm.

Meanwhile, a performance of outstanding merit from Skipton AC's ranks came from local plasterer Ian Magee, who beat a field of almost 500 to win the ultra-demanding Fellsmans Hike.

This stamina-sapping mountain marathon, which also requires astute navigational skills, starts at Ingleton and finishes at Threshfield, embracing 60 miles of rugged terrain en route.

This demanding course takes in Ingleborough, Whernside and Buckden Pike as the course encompasses North Ribblesdale, Dentdale, Mossdale, Wensleydale, Bishopdale and Upper Wharfedale, with over 11,000 feet of ascent and descent involved in a strenuous test of fitness and endurance.