Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 26 June 2008

KESWICK Athletics Club runners headed north to Durisdeer, Scotland, for a race of 10.5 miles and 3,800ft of ascent on a course selected for a British Championship event.

The 227-strong entry enjoyed perfect weather on the undulating course over steep, grassy hills with flat tops.

Rob Jebb, of Bingley, won in 1.21.53 just getting the better of Borrowdale’s Morgan Donnelly in a sprint finish.

Borrowdale’s Simon Booth was first MV40 in 1.24.44 and fifth overall while Keswick members also produced some fine runs.

Chris Edis gained his first championship points with a 49th and Pippa Jackson continued her excellent form, fourth lady and 62nd overall.

Dave Spedding was third in MV60 and Dunc Overton fourth in MV60 though best Keswick performance was by Lyn Thompson who, despite an standing ankle injury, finished as first FV50 in 1.55.03.

Keswick members also competed in the Ennerdale Horseshoe - the record for which is held by Keswick’s Ken Stuart at 3.20.57.

Keswick finishers: Steven Hebblethwaite 16th; Iain Kelly 18th; Neil Thompson 34th; Colin Valentine 46th; Craig Dring 94th; Andrew Murray 98th; Jo Moore 101st; Lucy Dunn 102nd.

The inaugural Great Lakes Run took place on Saturday from Stool End Farm in Great Langdale.

Cold and wet conditions on England’s highest and roughest ground meant the majority runners were exposed for between three and six hours.

The run took in Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike, Foxes Tarn, Slight Side, upper Eskdale and Pike O’ Blisco - 13 miles with 7,000ft of climb.

Sixty-four runners completed the race with Borrowdale’s Simon Booth winning in 2.46.15.

A minute behind was club-mate Nick Fish who finished just five seconds ahead of Ambleside’s Ben Abdelnoor.

First lady was Helene Whitaker who finished 10th overall and in 3.30.42. Borrowdale’s Nicola Davies was second with Wendy Dodds of Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers third.

There was no surprise to see Keswick’s Colin Valentine performing well coming 14th.

The only other Keswick runner was John Telfer who clocked 4.27.30.