WHARFEDALE Harriers' Sam Smith charged to yet another victory in the Hawkswick Dash fell race at the weekend. His time of 12 minutes and 17 seconds in the Under-17 event was so rapid that it would have put him fourth in the senior race.

Keighley and Craven’s Eric Beaumont came a very creditable second in 12.32, as nearly 200 competitors battled brilliantly in the searing heat, having to negotiate a tough track run, as well as tricky hill and wall climbs.

Continuing her winning form this season, Ilkley Harriers runner Bernadette Raven blasted her way to win the girls race in 16.28, a time that would have placed her third in the ladies race.

The senior men’s race was a battle of some current fell running greats as they tussled for position in the dash to the track.

Mercia’s Simon Bailey gained the lead at the cairn and never looked back as he romped home in 11.08, ahead of Wharfedale Harriers’ Jack Smith in second (11.53) and third-placed Ilkley Harrier Jack Cummings (12.06).

Wharfedale’s Jean Powell (17.26) came an impressive third in the ladies race, but it was Ribble Valley Harriers’ Kirsty Hall who powered her way around the course to make this a hat-trick of wins in just 15.09.

The U14 race turns at the cairn, giving these runners the treat of the treacherous climb to the top. The race winner, Ambleside’s Charlie Allmond, romped home to win in 10.44, with Keighley’s Sam Headley finishing second in 11.35.

Cumberland's powerhouse Emily Swarbrick won the girls’ race (14.26) from Trawden’s Ellie Singleton (14.56) and Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane (15.20).

The U12 race is spared the lung-busting climb to the cairn and was won this year by Barlick’s Jacob Reeday (8.21) Barlick also picked up a third-placed finish in the female version, as Lucille Pickles crossed the line in 10.27.

The shortest event of the day, the U9 race, gives young runners a taste of things to come as it turns part way up the relentless, hot, track to the fell base.

Continuing his winning streak this season, Jamie Dent dashed home in first place (6.25) ahead of Keighley’s Alex Sadler-Townsend (6.33) and Wharfedale’s Hugo Bishop (6.42).

Leven Valley’s Florrie Haddow added another trophy to her collection as she won the girls’ race (7.48) from Lancaster and Morecombe’s Harriet Sumner (8.02) and Cumberland’s Bethany Swarbrick (8.35).