Holmfirth Harriers’ Helen Berry ensured she stayed in with a chance of a national title with a stunning showing at the Kentmere Horseshoe race.
The Staveley venue hosted the fourth counter in the 2014 English Fell Championships and Berry made the trip to Cumbria looking to continue her bid to win the English Veteran 40 title.
With two Veteran 40 category wins under her belt at Coniston and Ennerdale, in May and June respectively, Berry knew another win would put distance between her and her rivals.
The run over the 11.9 mile route, which took in 3,300 feet of climb, couldn’t have gone better for berry.
Not only did Berry win her age group race, but was also the first home in the women’s open race.
A determined effort saw Berry gradually extend the gap at the head of the women’s field to finish over two and a half minutes clear of her nearest rival in 1 hour 50 minutes 20 seconds.
The men’s race was won in spectacular style by Tom Addison from local club Helme Hill, and he was also two and a half minutes clear of the second place runner, former English Champion Rob Hope, of Pudsey & Bramley.
There are two more races remaining in the series for berry to confirm her national crown at Sedbergh Hills, in August, and Hodder Valley, in September.
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