THE 2019 summer season of fell running ended on a high note at the Wasdale Show Fell Race, with wins for Barlick's Jacob Reeday and Wharfedale's Amelie Lane.

Young Jack Walton also shone, as the Keighley and Craven athlete pushed the experienced Simon Bailey (Mercia) all the way to come second in the senior men's race with a time of 40 minutes and 36 seconds.

The senior men's and ladies' race is a lung-inverting, thigh-straining, up and down race to the top of Kirk Fell, taking runners 2,330 feet above the start line.

The descent is generally much faster than the ascent and includes some exhilarating scree riding for the thrillseekers. For the not so brave, it is a nailbiting trial by boulder until the grass is once again met.

Undaunted by the challenge, 53 senior runners (along with 50 junior athletes for the shorter races) lined up, laces fastened and eager to get going.

The senior men’s race was a battle of age and experience versus youth and vitality between Bailey and Walton. The former was both first to the summit and first past the finish post, winning in 37.33, three minutes clear of Walton.

The 2018 ladies winner, Pudsey and Bramley’s Rachel Pilling, repeated her success with a time of 49.58 and was 20th overall. Wharfedale Harriers’ Jean Powell came third in the ladies' standings after a time of 55.11.

The Under-17 race climbs to the base of the screes and was no less competitive, as three racing buddies took on the fell and each other in the type of friendly rivalry that makes fell running a true sport.

In the event, Keighley’s Sam Headley won in 17.47, from Pudsey’s Declan Walker (18.15) and Wharfedale’s Addison Willis (18.46).

The U14 race climbs to and round a large protruding rock in the fell side and was won by Calder Valley’s Charlie Pickens (7.56), in a thrilling race to the end with Cumberland’s Tom Adams (8.00).

The girls’ race saw Lane return to top form as she took on both the girls and the boys to finish third overall and win the girls’ race in spectacular style (8.53) from Wharfedale club mate Olivia Aldham (9.51).

The U12 race climbs a short way up the hill before turning off for a loop and then returning over the wall to the finish line. Barlick’s Reeday enjoyed another clear win (4.13) from Ambleside’s Harvey Shaw (4.23)

Finally, Otley’s Charlotte Chambers won the girls’ race (4.48) from Cumberland’s Zoe Brannon (4.53), who just pipped Keighley's Millie Timbers (4.54) in a sprint finish.