The Burnsall Classic fell-race – which dates back to medieval village celebrations on St Wilfred’s day – was won by Wharfedale’s Ted Mason.

The race dates beyond 1870 and is one of the world’s oldest continuously-run events. The most famous one was in 1920 when Lakeland star Ernest Dazell finished in the astounding time of 12min 59.8sec.

That record held till 1977 and only two people have ever bettered it, the new record being 12min 48sec by JR Wilde in 1983.

Ilkley’s Tom Adams took an early lead on the climb up to the famous flag on the cairn. He was followed by a group of four, with Mason at the back.

Sam Tosh (Rossendale) and Bingley’s Ian Holmes were right behind Adams. The mist closed in on a wet day as they followed the steep path to the top.

The positions changed after the turn, as Mason took a canny route through the boulders away from the main path. He gained a winning lead in a time of 14min 18sec.

Holmes led the chasing group, with Adams now dropped. But by the village, Tosh just dipped ahead of a resurgent Adams in 14:30, with Holmes in fourth.

Steph Curtis (Pennine Fell Runners) was first lady, in 19:35. The 139 runners drew competitors from Wales, Essex and the Isle of Man.

Other impressive performances include Stephen Brock (Keighley & Craven) in eighth (15:55), James Mountain (Skipton) next home, Chris Burke (Baildon; 15th), Simon Anderson (Otley; 18th), Neil Armitage (Pudsey & Bramley; 19th) and Andy Nicoll (Bingley; 21st).

The previous Wednesday saw a strong field of 210 run the main 5k race at the York Millennium Bridge Races. Fifteen runners broke 17 minutes, and 36 broke 18min. Winner was Jonathan Will (Bristol & West) in 15min exactly.

Saltaire’s Mick Brearley made a welcome return after a long plantar fasciitis injury. Skyrac youngster Jaye Riley finished impressively in 20:42.

First lady was Scarborough’s under-15 Bronwen Owen in a world-class 16:55.