OLYMPIC medallist and world mile record holder Derek Ibbotson fired the gun to start fell runners vying for the top spots at Burnsall Sports on Saturday.

A line-up of 120 runners had to battle against nerves and showers as the start of the race was delayed by a medical emergency.

Eventually they were off to climb the gruelling 912 feet to the summit of the fell. Spectators watched from below as the runners snaked up the hillside.

Pudsey and Bramley's Robert Hope was first to the cairn in eight minutes and 22 seconds and began to open a lead on the steep descent.

But, after biding his time on the ascent, last year's winner Ian Holmes sprinted for home, passing Hope on the way down and finishing in a time of 13. 41.

Malham's Robert Hudson finished a creditable third in 14.10 with Ted Mason the first runner from a local club finishing seventh (14.48.)

Spectators young and old maintained Burnsall Feast's famous camaraderie by cheering and clapping home every runner, including Pudsey and Bramley's Peter Watson who won the race seven times in the 1960s and was still competing this year, and local veteran Alan Stockdale.

The Classic Fell Race had been preceded by young hopefuls aged between 11 and 18 in the Dales Junior Fell Face.

The athletes of the future showed great promise as they tackled the demanding course, saving everything for a sprint finish.

First past the post were the 11 and 12 year olds, with Settle's David Shepherd leading the pack. In the 14 years section, Sheryl Slater, of Giggleswick, took first prize and in the 16-year group Joseph Burfitt stormed home in a time of 8.18.

Celebrity athlete Mr Ibbotson said he was delighted to be back in Burnsall at the sports day.

He said he knew exactly what the runners were feeling, having run the race twice, finishing second in 1952 and winning it in 1953. "I remember getting to the top at the front but someone passed me on the way down. I made sure I won it the year after," he said.

"I think it is tremendous keeping things like this going," added Mr Ibbotson.

But as he gave his tips on who to watch out for at the forthcoming Sydney Olympics, young and old competed almost as fiercely for places on Burnsall Green.

As usual the event attracted crowds of people from far and wide. Those less athletic competed in races on The Green while the more serious runners fought for the top places in the fell races and 10-mile road race.

The latter event attracted about 70 runners, who psyched themselves up to run through the Dales via Hartlington, Hebden, Grassington, Threshfield, Swinden Corner, Linton and Thorpe.

Two miles into the race and Keighley and Craven AC's James Callaghan set the pace followed by Steve McDonald of Bingley.

Callaghan maintained his advantage and had begun to pull away from the rest of the runners by the time he reached Grassington.

But, not content to let him dominate the race, McDonald edged his way back and used all his strength to take the lead between Swinden and Linton.

As the runners raced for home McDonald held onto his lead to cross the finish line in 54 minutes 31 seconds. Callaghan had to settle for second place (55.32.)

The programme of activities was steered through by the multi-syllabic commentary of Ian Douglass.

He coaxed junior and seniors from the crowds for wheelbarrow and skipping races on The Green, reported on egg and spoon and sack races with the enthusiasm, of an Olympic sportscaster and guided visitors through all the competitions keeping them informed on the leaders with his popular narration.