Dave Watson suffered a rare defeat to Gavin Mulholland of Stainland as Holmfirth Harriers staged the first Yorkshire Veterans Multi-terrain Series event of 2015.

Mulholland coped with the muddy conditions better on a course from Neiley, at Honley, up to Thurstonland, Farnley Tyas and back.

Those two are again set for a fascinating battle for the title.

Stainland also had the first lady home in Anne Johnson while Holmfirth were second again – Kath Farquhar returning to racing after several months off.

The race was marshalled by over 50 members of Holmfirth Harriers to ensure a safe course and 22 Harriers also took part.

Runners and marshals were treated to free refreshments supplied by Holmfirth members and a raffle was held for club funds.

Eight races will be held this year in the Series, which is for runners aged 35 years and over.

A total of 173 runners took part from 26 Yorkshire clubs and the six-mile course was tough in the wet, slippery conditions.

The oldest competitor was Geoffrey Hardman, M80, of St Theresa’s, who completed the course in 82min 55sec.

The oldest woman was Hilary Wharam, F70, of Horsforth, who completed in 86-19.

The Series races are suitable for all abilities and only £5 to enter on the day. The next race is at Kirkstall on May 26. All details at www.yvaa.org

Holmfirth Results:

Women: Kath Farquhar 2nd, 1st F45, 49-45; Debbie Hall 6th, 1st F35, 51-30; Lesley Ewart 8th, 1st F60, 52-52; Barbara Hinchliffe 10th, 2nd F60, 54-06; Rosemary Baker 22nd, F50, 58-04; Clare Ash 24th, F45, 59-39; Alison Smith, 35th, F40, 65-15

Men: Dave Watson 2nd, 2nd M40, 38-39; Chris Beadle 9th, 3rd M45, 43-19; James Durrans, 16th, M45, 44-26; John Ewart 17th, 1st M55, 44-19; Jonathan King 19th, M40, 46-00; Kevin Yewlett 36th, 3rd M60, 49-44; Rob Kersey 39th, M60, 50-34; Matthew Rose 62nd, M40, 53-40; Ian Goulding 65th, M50, 54-37; Richard Hook 71st, M45, 55-28; Neil Midgley 88th, M65, 58-49; Paul Winn, 91st, M60, 60-02; Bill Hunter 92nd, M65, 60-19; Steve Hewitt 94th, M55, 60-35; Tim Cock 97th, 2nd M70, 61-37 and 98th Richard Smith M65, 61-45.