ALMOST 400 runners set out on the WHARFEDALE OFF-ROAD HALF-MARATHON from Wharfedale Rugby Union Club in Grassington on a circular route taking in the Dalesway and Kilnsey and Malham Moors.

The hot conditions meant an ambulance was needed at the finish.

Harry Coates, from Wallsend, won in 88min 31sec, with Matthew Cox of Ilkley Harriers three minutes back in third behind local resident Julian Hood (Barlick Fell Runners).

Pudsey Pacers duo James Clark and Darren Burnley were next home after another three-minute gap, heading a group of five. Saltaire's in-form Matt Richardson was 12th, at the rear of the next group.

Carmen Byrne, from Holcombe Harriers in Bury, was first lady in 1hr 46min 37sec.

* The beautiful weather drew further hundreds the same weekend to the KETTLEWELL and PEN-Y-GHENT FELL RACES.

Kirsty Hall, from Wharfedale Harriers, was first lady at Kettlewell in 15min 6sec.

Simon Bailey, from Mercia Fell Runners, won overall in 11:33, ahead of Rory Stead (Aberdeen, 11:55).

Keighley & Craven put out a strong team in the junior races. Joe Hudson was first in the under-17s (12min 27sec), Louis Hudson second in the under-14s and Sam Conroy third in the under-12s (6:56), with Beth Robertson first girl in that race (7:42).

Jessie Allen and Milly Timbers were the first two in the under-nines, with Fraiser Lampkin and James Sadler-Townsend fourth and fifth among the boys.

The day before finishing third at Kettlewell, Ted Mason (Wharfedale) won the Pen-y-Ghent race, run by Skipton AC in association with the Horton-in-Ribblesdale Show.

He took just 49min 59sec to cover the 5.5 miles and 1650 feet of stunning ascent. A total of 164 finished amid the showgrounds, just outside the village.

* The OTLEY CHEVIN FELL RACE was won by Jack Wood (Ilkley Harriers) in 17min 45sec.

The 106 turnout was down on previous years, having followed the Ilkley Trail Race and the Harrogate Summer League's race at Swaledale on the previous two evenings.

Marc Scott (Richmond & Zetland) beat Otley second-claimer Jamil Parapia to victory in the third of the five league races. Otley's Zach Whitehead now stands third in the overall league standings.