Water lovers took to the fells above Haworth for the Soreen Stanbury Splash last Sunday as Keighley’s Ian Holmes continued his dominance of the event.

A total of 298 finishers were rewarded with malt loaves at the end of seven miles of running, 1,200 feet of climbing and five beck crossings.

Holmes, of Bingley Harriers, continued a remarkable run by taking his 15th consecutive victory in the race, with a time of 43min 17sec.

It was déjà-vu for runner-up Graham Pearce (Pudsey & Bramley), who matched his 2009 placing by coming in 14 seconds behind Holmes. Bingley also took the men’s team prize.

In the ladies’ race, Ilkley Harriers welcomed club member Lynn Eden over the line with champagne and flowers as she achieved her target of completing 65 races in her 65th year.

Ilkley Ladies enjoyed an excellent day, with Kay Pearce, Alison Eagle and Kate Archer finishing in the top 11 to take the team prize.

Helen Glover (Keighley & Craven) ended up a clear winner of the ladies race ahead of Karen Pickles (Pudsey Pacers), who was first female over 35.

Robin Lawrence (Bingley Harriers) in sixth and Chris Loftus (Keighley & Craven) in ninth had good runs on behalf of local clubs, while Jack Verity (134th), Bob Pritchard (141st) and Emma Hinkles (187th) were the first runners home for St Bede’s, Skyrac and Baildon respectively.

The junior races attracted a fine total of 139 competitors. There were race wins for: George Hobbs (Huddersfield GS) and Ruby Schofield (Pendle) in the under-eights; Matthew Croken (Princess Mary) and Gemma Johnson (Calder) in the under-tens; Seth Waterman (Holmfirth) and Phoebe Howe (Horwich) in the under-12s; Lewis Byram and Harmonie Waterman (both Holmfirth) in the under-14s; and Zac Howe (Horwich) and Pippa Barrett (Keighley) in the under-16s.

Sunday sees a busy day of team events, with the Pennine Bridleway Relay, Peco Cross Country League at John Smeaton College in East Leeds and the West Yorkshire Winter League at Pudsey.