HOLLIE Orr set a new female course record on the way to victory in the women’s section at the Bootle Black Combe Fell race at Bootle County Fair and Show.

The 7.8-mile, 2,050-foot ascent course started and finished in the main arena of the showground, following a long out and back route to the summit, which Black Combe Runners member Orr completed in 1hr 19mins 10secs.

That was nearly 15 minutes quicker than the previous record held by club-mate Rebecca Rooke, which was set last year.

Josh Hartley finished third overall for BCR in 1:05.56, having been in touch with the leaders early on. Pudsey & Bramley ACs John Heneghan took the win in a speedy 1:03.32 and Ambleside AC’s Jack Wright claimed runners-up spot, clocking 1:05.56.

James Harris had an excellent run to take fourth place overall in 1:06.31 and Edward Gleadowe was fifth, six seconds later, in a race which drew a large Black Combe entry due to it being a club counter.

Other BCR times were a great 1:13.52 for Matthew Rooke, Martin Currie (1:22.40), Rob Browne (1:23.56), Sarah Pike (1:24.14), John Millen (1:25.26), Julian Donnelly (1:29.14), Simon Austin (1:29.45), John Parminter (1:30.09), William Ross (1:30.15), Mike Jewell (1:30.23), Patrick McIver (1:32.36), John Shevelan (1:32.59), Jackie Casey (1:33.32), Jess Lawrence (1:33.46), Jonathan Bailey (1:35.12), James Goffe (1:52.10), Steve Wathall (1:56.14) and 2016 lady victor Beth Ripper (1:59.50).

A junior race was also held over a four-mile out and back course which was completed by BCR junior Holly Murray in a good 40.44.

Harvey Lord currently leads the way in Black Combe’s club fell championship, with Harris a very close second. Nick Sebley is the leader of the handicap competition. Simon Austin leads the road championship table, with Sophie Roberts the leading female and Ian Verber is in pole on the handicap scores. This could all change in both disciplines as there are still three races in each to come.

Though not a BCR club counter, Jonathan Bailey took part in the Lancaster (Golden Ball) 20-mile road race and was frustrated to have just missed the sub-three hour barrier by 39 seconds. However, he did get a top half finish, coming in at 52nd in the 119-runner field.