Last updated 20:28, Thursday, 17 July 2008

WITH it's 21-mile route and upwards of 9,000 feet of ascent and descent, the Wasdale Fell Race remains one of the true tests of a runner's character.

Gosforth 10K Road Race - Julie Carter relaxes after winning the Ladies race in 42.25 - submitted pic

The course takes in such Lakeland gems as The Screes, Seatallan, Pillar, Black Sail Pass, Great Gable, Stye Head Pass, Esk Hause and culminating with a 3,000-foot descent from England's loftiest mountain Sca Fell Pike.

Last Saturday’s event attracted over 140 entries, with dry, clear conditions thankfully the order of the day.

Peter Vale, of Mercia, tied for first place in the recent 23-mile Ennerdale with Ambleside's Nick Sharp.

But on Saturday he ploughed a lone furrow to win by over three minutes from Mark Palmer, of Staffordshire. A fine front-running demonstration from the southern raider. Vale’s time was an impressive three hours 54 minutes.

Third spot went to Ambleside's Ben Abdelnoor.

Cumberland Fell Runners had seven members who made the result board with John Boyle leading the way in 44th.

The consistent Julie Carter followed up her recent fine run at Ennerdale with another tip-top performance to finish 49th.

Sixty-fourth was occupied by Paul Jennings, with Trevor Wilkinson 88th. Another CFR member to make the top 100 was newcomer Jamie Rackham. Steven OKeefe and Mark Hazell finished 113 and 123 respectively.

On the local front the very popular Cleator Moor Sports go ahead tomorrow from the Wath Brow Sports field.

One of the day’s highlights is undoubtedly the three-mile Kinniside Two Tops Fell Race.

This superb dash up and down Dent Fell starts at 2pm and all over 14s are welcome to run.

The course record holders are Alan Bowness (22.29) and and Jackie Hargreaves (27.42).

There are also junior fell races starting from 1.30pm.