Nine Holmfirth Harriers took part in the 60th anniversary Three Peaks Fell Race race, which this year counted as part of their Fell Championship series.

Dubbed the marathon with mountains, the Yorkshire classic race was first held in 1954 with just six starters and only three finishers.

In stark contrast to the scale of the event nowadays, with 782 athletes setting off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale and 704 finishing.

The race covers a 23.3-mile course with 5,279ft of climbing over Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, and the conditions were very muddy underfoot, but thankfully for athletes and spectators, the pre-race rain and mist cleared.

Craig Boggon returned for his second attempt and was the first Harrier home in 59th place, delighted to be seven minutes ahead of his 2013 time, though just missing out on the special anniversary spot prize for 60th place!

Chris Beadle, who has been on fine form of late, put in another fine performance.

The climb and descent of Ingleborough, when many athletes tire, proved to be a great battle between him and clubmate Helen Berry.

Berry had paced the race well, able to push hard up Whernside and again up Ingleborough to gain on Beadle, overtaking him on the steepest part of the climb.

Even though her five mile descent to the finish was strong, Beadle was not to be beaten, and overtook her to finish ahead by just seven seconds – a personal best for Berry by nearly six minutes and finishing fifth lady and second in the Vet 40 category.

Daniel Shaw was the fourth Harrier back and made a substantial improvement on his 2011 performance, reducing his time substantially.

Two Harriers who continue to build upon their milestones with veteran Andy Hauser completing his 34th race, while Jean Shotter finished her 20th race.

The race was tough going for James Durrans and Phil Hobbs, who both suffered on the rough terrain and with bad cramp.

Paul Fearns was the final Harrier to return a few minutes behind Hobbs.

The overall winner of the race was Ricky Lightfoot, part of the Salomon International team in 2.53.16. The first female returning to Horton finishing in a very impressive 17th overall was Victoria Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers in 3.21.32.

Results: 59th Craig Boggon (03.42.13), 70th Chris Beadle (03.44.56), 71st, 5th lady and2nd LV40 Helen Berry (03.45.03), 85th Daniel Shaw (03.48.57), 104th and 5th V50 Andy Hauser (03.53.29), 253rd James Durrans (04.16.11), 347th Philip Hobbs (04.28.34), 359th Paul Fearns (04.30.24), 504th and 5th LV50 Jean Shotter (04.52.48).

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