HELEN BERRY led the way as Holmfirth Harriers sent a strong contingent to the famous Three Peaks race.

The ladies captain achieved both her objectives – to make the top six in a quality field and break the four-hour barrier again.

She was 114th overall and sixth lady home in 3hr 58min 35sec in the 56th running of the event over the 23.3-mile course with 5,279ft of climbing over Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

There was also satisfaction for veteran Bill Wade, the president of the Three Peaks Association, who completed his 40th race.

He was 595th in 5-46-41 and received a special presentation.

But for Holmfirth club captain John Ewart, the day ended in disappointment, with injury forcing his retirement at Ribblehead, roughly halfway round the course.

With Ewart out of the running, Nigel Moran was leading the Harriers, but a slightly ambitious start cost him, and after the last checkpoint on Ingleborough summit, Berry overtook him and increased the distance between them over the last gruelling five miles, finishing almost three minutes ahead. Moran clocked 4-01-13 to be 124th.

Four-time winner Rob Jebb, of Bingley, was ruled out by a heavy cold, leaving the race wide open.

The clear winner was Morgan Donnelly, of Borrowdale, in 3-02-34, more than four minutes clear of Salford’s John Brown.

The ladies champion was holder Anna Lupton, of Radcliffe, defended her title and ran 3-30-45, six minutes faster than last year.

Holmfirth (N signifies novice): 114 Helen Berry 3:58:35, 124 Nigel Moran 4:01:13, 73 Nathan Martin 4:13:11 (N), 252 Chris Beadle 4:25:22, 399 Phil Hobbs 4:46:54 (N), 487 Phil Martin 5:02:25 (N), 493 Matt Cromack 5:03:09 (N), 497 Andrei Vais 5:04:01 (N), 525 Karen Sinkinson 5:09:26 (N), 576 Sophie Barroclough 5:32:06 (N), 595 Bill Wade 5:46:41.Retired: John Ewart, Amanda Crawshaw (N) at Ribblehead; Andy Keast, Dave Knight, Hill Inn.