Last weekend was a busy one for Black Combe Runners’ members, with them competing in several races of different varieties across South Cumbria.

Last Sunday, the Long Distance Walkers Association’s “That’s Lyth” 23-mile walk/run event took place over a mostly trail route, starting and finishing in Kendal, while also taking in Scout Scar and Witherslack, while having a 3,200ft ascent in total.

This was also a good long winter run for those aiming to do a spring marathon. Anna Lupton was first BCR and first lady (seventh position overall out of a full field of 300 participants) back in a splendid time of 3hrs 29mins.

At the Blake’s Heaven fell race last weekend, from Lamplugh, seven BCRs made the journey to take on this popular 5.7-mile race that takes in the summits of Burnbanks Blake and Owsen Fell.

Th first BCR back in this non-club counter event was Josh Hartley, who finished second place overall in a very good 44:42, just being pipped by three seconds in the final yards by Zac Hudd.

The second BCR finisher was Tim Ripper, who ran well to ensure a top-ten finish with a great 48:31, while Nick Sebley subbed the hour by just under two minutes.

The first BCR lady to return to Lamplugh Church was Jess Lawrence in 1:04:40, over twelve minutes behind the victor Emily Robinson of host club Cumberland Fell Runners. The other BCRs back were Beth Ripper (1:09:51), Rob Sanders (1:14:06) and Jane Hornsby (1:23:29).

At the Clough Head fell race earlier this month, from Threlkeld, and part of the Kong running series of hill races, BCR’s James Harris had a great run to finish in the top 40 out of a field of 181 with his 38:11.

That event was won by Mark Lamb (Keswick AC) and England international Victoria Wilkinson (Bingley Harriers) in 31:48 and 35:57 respectively.

Earlier in the month at the Nine Standards fell race, from Kirkby Stephen, four Green and Blacks got the year off to a great start by making the lengthy journey and were rewarded with excellent weather and good race times.

Harris had another great run to sub the hour with his 58:32, while Harvey Lord also ran strongly to clock 1:01:21, with John Evason at 1:04:50 and Hollie Orr closely after at 1:05:41.

Also happening a few weeks ago was the Wansfell race at Ambleside. This 2.4-mile blast covers a 1,500ft ascent and always attracts large numbers.

BCR were represented with great performances as Peter Tayler finished in 29:48, while Phil Clayton tried to keep pace with him but slipped back and crossed the finish 65 seconds later.

Black Combe Runners’ members are also currently involved in the the club’s annual Winter League.

The latter involves eight races, began on New Year’s Day and will conclude in late February, with members having to complete four to be in with a chance of any prizes.

There has been a good turnout to every event to date, and with just four Winter League races to go, Jonathan Bailey is leading for the men, while Beth Ripper is in pole position for the ladies.

The latest event took place the weekend before last, which was the two-lap five-mile trail/fell run on Torver Common, called the Blawith Malarkey, which also visited Beacon Tarn and climbed Beacon fell twice, with 12 participants all running well.

The last four BCR winter training league races are the Broughton Mills hilly road loop six-mile race called ‘The Scissors’ this Saturday, from the Blacksmith’s Arms.

The race from Roanhead beach and dunes (two-laps, five-and-a-half miles) takes place on February 10, with Tottlebank/Giants Grave from near Gawthwaite & covering Blawith common, (two laps, five miles) following on February 16.

The Black Combe, which is a four-and-a-half- mile, 1,900ft ascent, straight up and down fell run from Whicham Church on February 24 will be the concluding race.