The POOR weather conditions of the 2015 Coniston Gullies race made an attempted return for 2019.

Variable weather conditions including an unsparing amount of rain ensured a considerable presence of running water, slippery slopes and deep mud to challenge the 72 senior and 131 junior runners braving the mist-shrouded fell.

Ambleside’s Matthew Elkington climbed and slid his way to victory in the senior race (14.17) from Mercia’s Simon Bailey, second (14.26), and Dark Peak’s Rhys Findlay-Robinson, third, (15.29).

The ladies race was won by Helm Hill’s Bianca Dyer (19.49) from Pudsey and Bramley’s Rachel Pilling, second, (19.54) who was hot on her heels all the way.

Newcomer to the senior race, having excelled in the junior ranks, Clayton-le-Moors’ Briony Holt made her presence known by finishing third (21.01).

Keighley and Craven’s indefatigable Eric Beaumont won the under-17 boys’ race (8.54) from Chesterfield’s Finlay Grant, second, (9.09) and Ambleside’s James Bowen, third (9.18).

The girls’ race was won by Harrogate Harriers’ Alexandra Whitaker (10.55) ahead of Eden Runners’ Amelie Marshall, second, (11.55) and Cumberland’s Emily Swarbrick, third, (12.42).

Wirral’s Alexander Poulston won the under-14 boys’ race (6.25) from clubmate William Sutcliffe, second, (6.46), who was pushed back into fourth place overall by the first two girls.

Third boy was Ambleside’s Jack Dixon (7.13). Girls’ winner, and second overall, was Harrogate Harriers’ Eve Whitaker (6.39), closely followed by Wharfedale Harriers' Amelie Lane in second place and third overall (6.44). Third girl was Ambleside’s Sophie Rylance (7.27).

The fiercest race of all was the under-12 race. Barlick’s Jacob Reeday romped home in first place (5.21) followed by Ambleside’s Rowan Ashworth, second, (5.28) and Wharfedale’s Tom Hooper 3rd (5.46).

In the girls’ race, Chorley’s Libby Rickerby made a great start to her season by winning (6.14) from Keighley’s Phoebe Midgely (6.14) in a thrilling sprint finish with micro seconds separating them on the finish line. Barlick’s Lucille Pickles finished third (6.27).

Cumberland’s Luca Roberts did battle with the weather and the fell to win the under-9 race in 4.24 from Helm Hill’s Jake Smith (4.28) and Barlick’s Isaac Reeday, third (4.33).

The Helm Hill duo of Emmy Ranner and Isla Jebb took first (4.35) and second (4.37) place respectively in the girls’ race, finishing in fourth and fifth place overall.

Wharfedale’s Isobel Patefield was third girl (5.15) and eighth overall.