The latest fell race for local running club Black Combe Runners was their own-organised Dunnerdale five-mile, 1804ft ascent event from the picturesque hamlet of Broughton Mills the weekend before last.

A popular little classic, the route takes in a lung-busting uphill road section to the foot of the Knott, which is then climbed before runners take in the checkpoints at Raven Crag, Stickle Pike and Great Stickle.

Then follows a fast, almost all downhill run, including another road section, back to the finish in the field opposite the Blacksmith’s Arms pub.

Dry weather made this year’s race a joy to run, but the ground conditions were slippery at times and boggy following a lot of rain in the hours leading up to race day, when an entry field of 187 runners lined up to start.

Leading from the front was Maryport firefighter Ricky Lightfoot (Ellenborough AC), who earned another Cumbrian event title, as he pipped Matthew Elkington (Ambleside AC) by clocking 39 minutes 45 seconds.

Elkington was only 37 seconds behind, whilst third place went to Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Matt Edwin, who clocked 41:22. Rob Jebb (Helm Hill Runners) also dipped under 42 minutes for fourth.

For the host club, Josh Hartley was the first BCR back in 45:34, and 16th overall, yet club mate James Harris also finished with him in exactly the same time.

Mark Roberts (Borrowdale Fell Runners) was first the first veteran runner back in 43:43, and the under-23 prize went to Helm Hill Runners’ Joshua Jardine in a very pleasing 42:25.

The women’s race was a one-horse affair with Helm Hill Runners’ Kelli Roberts securing the win in a very fast 46:57, keeping her club mate Sharon Taylor at bay by 83 seconds, but hot on her heels for third lady overall was Ambleside AC’s Beth Hanson (49:21) who duly took the first FU23 prize as well.

BCR’s Hollie Orr finished fourth with a speedy 51:06, just edging out Northumberland Fell Runners’ Katherine Davis, who clocked 52:34 for first LV50 prize.

A good club turnout of 30 Black Combe Runners took part, with many also on marshalling duties, including the use of dibbers at this race for the first time.

The club wish to thank local landowners and residents for allowing us to use their land for parking and the race, of which without their gratefulness, this event just wouldn’t have been possible.

The next BCR-organised race is the Kirkby Moor (6.5 miles, 1650ft ascent) this Saturday from the Beckside village hall at Kirkby-in-Furness, with the off-time11am.