HOAD Hill Harriers hailed the success of their first fell race over the hill itself and past the Sir John Barrow monument as they celebrated their 30th year.

Five junior races, for under-eights up to under-16s, tackled differing courses in the Easter weekend drizzle.

The weather forecast failed to deter the hardy runners, with good fields assembled to contest the prizes as youngsters headed straight up and over the Hoad, offering great views for spectators.

Entrants came from a range of clubs throughout the North, and the opening under-eights race saw runners make their way through a hard course.

Settle Harriers’ Jack Sanderson took victory in 5.10, ahead of unattached runner Blake Fleming, who crossed the line in 5.28, closely followed by Reuben Eley.

First girl home was Evie Corkill, with the field all showing great potential.

The under-10s race had a larger start list, with the host club’s Bethan Saunders beating boys and girls alike to come home first in 10.35.

Patrick Casey, from Calder Valley, took the boy’s crown in 11.01, ahead of Furness Striders’ William McNally, who was followed home by Felicity Boyle.

Third male and female were Jessica Bailey and Oliver Oldham respectively, with some great times and strong running at the finish.

The largest field was in the under-12s race, with runners taking a course over the monument and down to the back before heading back up and down a steep descent, making for great racing.

Henry Hunter, from Helm Hill, took victory with a 44-second lead over Hoad Hill’s Scott Fisher.

A close field followed, with James Duffy, from Calder Valley, not far ahead of first girl home Olesia Winder, also from the host club.

Second girl was Erin Keeler, beating Durham City Harriers’ Lucy Ashburner to the finish.

The under-14s and under-16s ran together in worsening conditions, with Hoad Hill’s Connor O’Hara the winner of the younger event and Logan Hargreaves the under-16s champion, with Emily Mashiter the girls winner in her first fell race.

The race will be added to the Junior Fell Racing Championships next year.

RESULTS

Under-eights: 1. Jack Sanderson, Settle Harriers, 5.10; 2. Blake Fleming, unattached, 5.28; 3. Reuben Eley, unattached, 5.53; 4. Tommy Boyd, unattached, 6.08; 5. Evie Corkill (first girl), unattached, 7.12.

Under-10s: 1. Bethan Saunders (first girl), Hoad Hill Harriers, 10.35; 2. Patrick Casey (first boy), Calder Valley, 11.01; 3. William McNally, Furness Striders, 11.14; 4. Felicity Boyle, unattached, 11.19; 5. Jessica Bailey, unattached, 11.20; 6. Oliver Oldham, Hoad Hill Harriers, 12.20; 7. Holly Hoffernan, unattached, 12.57; 8. Evie Turton, Hoad Hill Harriers, 13.24.

Under-12s: 1. Henry Hunter, Helm Hill, 10.08; 2. Scott Fisher, Hoad Hill Harriers, 10.52; 3. James Duffy, Calder Valley, 10.57; 4. Warren Fleming, Hoad Hill Harriers, 10.59; 5. Olesia Winder (first girl), Hoad Hill Harriers, 11.00; 6. Erin Keeler, Durham City Harriers, 11.52; 7. Evan Mills, Keswick AC, 12.05; 8. James John Hoffernan, unattached, 12.14; 9. Nathan Ritchie, Hoad Hill Harriers, 12.18; 10. Finley Corkill, Barrow Furness Striders, 13.30; 11. Lucy Ashburner, unattached, 16.12.

Under-14s: 1. Connor O’Hara, Hoad Hill Harriers, 18.32.

Under-16s: 1. Logan Hargrieves, Warfesdale Harriers, 28.55; 2. Emily Mashiter, unattached, 41.12.