Mercia’s Simon Bailey took full advantage of the unusual fine weather and soft ground to storm home as winner in this year’s Reeth Show Fell race (15.06) from Ilkley Harriers’ Jack Wood (15.15) and Annan and District’s Andrew Livingstone (16.36).

Bailey led form the start but Wood pushed him hard all the way round the course, snapping at his heels in a bid to overtake.

Under pressure, Bailey dug in and maintained his lead, setting a new course record.

The ladies race was won by Swaledale Runners’ Rebecca Simpson (21.20), from Wharfedale Harriers’ Jean Powell (22.48) and Skipton’s Melanie Steventon (22.57).

The U17 race winner was Keighley and Craven’s Eric Beaumont (12.59) who has recently qualified to run for England.

The second and third were Wharfedale boys Alex Thompson (13.39) and Richmond and Zetland’s Matthew Lambert (13.53).

The girls’ race was won by Rossendale Harriers’ Lauryn Gregg (15.41) from Eleanor Sinker (26.50).

Otley’s Jenson Brogden (14.36) led the under-14s home from Helm Hill’s Henry Hunter (14.44) and Wharfedale’s Addison Willis (14.58).

Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane won the girls’ race (15.18), finishing fourth overall and continuing her good racing form this season.

The second and third girls were Cumberland’s Emily Swarbrick (15.52) and Durham City Harriers’ Erin Keeler-Clarke (16.08).

The shortest but most hotly-contested race is the under-12 race. Keighley’s Archie Peaker worked his way to the front to win in 9.16 from Cumberland’s Mylo Jewell (9.25) and Otley’s Aston Brogden, (9.32).

Horwich’s Emma Bradley won the girls’ race in 10.51 from Otley’s Charlotte Chambers (11.15) and Wharfedale’s Olivia Aldham.

SU THOMPSON