Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 08 May 2008

THE overnight threat of heavy rain never materialised as Saturday's Latterbarrow Loop race enjoyed bright sunshine.

But a strong southerly breeze kept times down for the 2.5 mile dash but some fine runs were still made.

Maryport's Ricky Lightfoot doninated proceedings and won comfortably in a time of 22 minutes 45 seconds.

Cumberland Fell Runners’ 2007 club champion battled through for second just one place up on Simon Hunter.

This was an eyecatching run from Hunter, who is returning to the CFR fold after a number of years out of the sport.

These will be good points for Hunter as the event was the fourth counter in the 12 race CFR club c/ship for this year.

For the ladies it was to be Kate Beaty's day in 24th overall, the Hayton-based runner holding off Julie Carter, and Tracy Park, who also ran with great credit.

Other ladies determined not to let the lads have it all their own way were D Walker 37th, Mel Bradley 38th and Barbara Haywood 39th.

In the age categories, no-one ran better than vet 55 Jackie Winn who was a superb sixth.

Egremont's Brian Thompson was first vet 45 in fourth spot.

U18 Andrew McCloud showed lots of potential to place ninth just one to the good on Rob James, 2nd vet 55.

Dave Atkinson led the vet 40s home in 11th, with Irvine Block first vet 50 and 18th overall.

The two Philip Davidson memorial trophies awarded to the first gent and lady safely across the River Calder went to Ricky Lightfoot and Julie Carter.

The next CFR championship race is on Sunday afternoon with the 9.5-mile Buttermere Sailbeck which has a s daunting 4,250ft of ascent.