WHARFEDALE Harriers' Alex Thompson moved through the pack to claim a stunning victory in the U17 category at the Embsay Fell Race.

The event became a battle between him and Settle's Sebastian Seggar-Staveley and although Thompson's rival was first to the summit, the Wharfedale teenager overtook him to win in 19 minutes and 26 seconds.

That time would have placed him seventh in the senior race, which is run over the same route. Seggar-Staveley came second and Keighley and Craven’s Eric Beaumont finished third in 21.20.

Wharfedale’s Ted Mason and Ilkley Harriers' Jack Wood resumed their fascinating rivalry and battled for leadership in the senior men's race, leaving the rest in their wake.

After climbing to the summit of Embsay Crag, the pair tackled a skyline run, before commencing the descent to the track and finish line.

The mixed terrain clearly suited Wood the most, as he maintained his lead throughout to win in 17.19 from Mason in 18.18. Wharfedale’s Sam Watson came third in 18.38, having worked his way towards the front pack during the race.

The ladies' race was no less hard fought as eventual winner, Calder Valley’s Jo Buckley, battled with the leading men to secure a good position on the ascent.

Buckley’s lead was never in danger as she secured a clear win (22.55) from Pudsey and Bramley’s Rachel Pilling (23.20) and Trawden’s Fionnuala Swann (23.57).

The U17 girls’ race saw Ilkley’s Bernadette Raven and Harrogate Harriers’ Alexandra Whitaker set off side by side but clearly in competition.

Whitaker eventually took the crown in a time of 22.30, while Raven was just behind in 22.42. Both finished faster than the ladies' winning time.

Keighley’s Sam Conroy continued his excellent form this season to win the U14 race (11.54), while club mate Sam Headley came third in 12.29.

Leven Valley’s Olesia Winder won the girls’ race in 13.16, just in front of Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane (13.23) and Keighley’s Emma Peel (13.29).

Wharfedale’s Tom Hooper stormed down the fields and track to win the U12 race in 8.04, narrowly ahead of Ilkley’s Seth Toye (8.06) and club mate Alex Wolfenden (8.11).

Just behind Wolfenden was the girls’ race winner, Leven Valley’s Georgia Bell (8.17), ahead of Barlick’s Lucille Pickles (8.33) and Keighley’s Katie Buckley (8.47).

The U9 race was won by Helm Hill’s Josef Tancrel (4.58) from Bingley’s William Johnson (5.12) and Trawden’s Callum Singleton (5.15).

Finally, Keighley’s Bethan Buckley sprinted home to finish second overall and win the girls’ race (5.07), proving that running prowess is in her genes, as she is the daughter of ladies winner, Jo Buckley.

Leven Valley’s Lucy Bell came second in 5.29, ahead of Wharfedale’s Jessica Anderson, who was third in 5.51.