ATHLETES Joe Hudson (Keighley & Craven) of Malham and Jack Wood (Ilkley Harriers) of Silsden were part of a successful gold-winning GB team at the World Mountain Running Championships in Patagonia, Argentina on November 15 and 16.

It was Hudson’s GB debut and he performed magnificently on the tough up and down 8km course, finishing 12th in the junior men’s event. The race was won by his Cumbrian team mate Joe Dugdale and with fellow GB runners Matty Mackay in 5th and Matthew Knowles in 12th the team struck gold.

Hudson said: "It has been an unforgettable week meeting lots of new people and experiencing the amazing scenery. Winning team gold will stay with me forever."

Jack Wood, maths teacher at South Craven School, finished a creditable 43rd in the senior men’s long event (41.5km), having had a late call-up following injury to Tom Evans.

The race took in some spectacular scenery in the Patagonian Lake District, setting off from the town of Villa La Angostura. American Jim Walmsley won gold with the first British athlete, Jon Albon, in 4th place. The GB team finished 4th behind Spain, USA and Italy.

Wood said: "It was a great experience to travel to Patagonia and, despite it not being my best performance, I was proud to represent my country again and be part of a men’s long distance team that finished 4th against the best mountain runners in the world."

GB team manager Anne Buckley, of Skipton, who previously competed in the event six times said: "It was a privilege to manage such a fantastic group of athletes. The camaraderie within the team was incredible and all the athletes supported each other to perform at their best."