Alice Forster was the most impressive finisher out of the Black Combe Runners to take part in the latest English championship counter fell race at the Ilam Park National Trust.

The 4.7-mile, 1,158ft ascent course had plenty of technical terrain thrown in, didn’t deter the BCRs as 11 members travelled to the Ashbourne area in the Peak District in claggy conditions.

First back in the men’s race was Mark Lamb of Keswick AC in 35 minutes, 18 seconds, while the BCR timings were Harry Scott in a good 43:19, closely followed by Peter Tayler at 50:45, with Steve Wathall in touch, clocking 51:59.

The ladies race, ran separately, saw Forster return 11th overall, in a good 48:26. Victory went to Helm Hill Runners’ Sharon Taylor, who ran an excellent 44:09.

Last month’s Lake District mountain trial races saw four BCRs compete.

In the short length course, Sue Lomas, paired with Anna Lister (Lakeland Orienteering Club), got round in 5:28.10, while the classic long course witnessed Tim Ripper finish 17th overall in a good 5:34.17, closely followed by Hollie Orr in 20th position, as she clocked 5:40.43.

This was good enough for her to be first lady back, just keeping Carnethy Hill Runners’ Helen Fallas at bay (5:44.07).

The men’s winner was Neil Talbott (4:36.23) of Ambleside AC, with Ben Kent of Helm Hill Runners (2:28.08) the winner in the short course solo race. The first pair back were Bryan Jones and Euan Patton of Dark Peak Fell Runners in 2:58.10.

Recently, the latest club champs counter fell race took place for BCR at the Eskdale Show, which saw Josh Hartley finish in second place. Victories went to Tom Simpson and Natalie Beadle.

Next races in the BCR club champs is any Saturday Park Run at Barrow or Ford Park (Ulverston) up to 23 Nov, but only best result counts from each venue, no matter how many a member does, whilst the Kirkby Moor fell race is their final points counter event at 11am on Saturday, 30th November. Enter on the day only and usual FRA kit requirements will apply.

The Barrow-in-Furness ultra trail race covered 50 miles with a total of 5,325ft ascent, along the Furness peninsula, starting and finishing on Walney Island, visiting Kirkby Moor and various places en route,

BCRs Jonathan Bailey took part in the race and he came in fifth out of a field of just 12 finishers, getting round in 12hrs 27mins. Victories went to Chris Waters (Ambleside AC) in 9hrs 57m and Karen Oldham (Leven Valley AC), who clocked 12hrs 38m.