MISTY conditions set the stage for an exciting Lingmell Dash fell race.

The event is an annual fundraiser for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and the 4.5-mile, 2500ft-ascent race starts from the Wasdale Head Inn and sets off across the flat fields of the valley floor before the steep climb to the summit of Lingmell.

Twenty-eight runners took on the damp challenge at the weekend.

John Henegan, of the Pudsey & Bramly club from Ravenglass, and Billy Cartwright, of Matlock, took it in turns to head the field in the climb with Ted Ferguson, of Ambleside, hot on their heels.

On the return to the valley floor it was Billy finishing first in a time of 50:21 with John on 51:00 and Ted on 52:23 following closely behind.

For the ladies, Nichola Jackson, of Ribble Valley Harriers, was never challenged, finishing in seventh place overall in a time of 59:31.

Kate Apps (LV40) of Eskdale and Keswick AC was challenged all the way on the climb by Lindsay Buck (LV55) of Gosforth and Cumberland Fell Runners but pulled away on the descent to finish in 70:06, with Lindsay third in 77:24. Beth Ripper of Eskdale and Black Combe Runners finished fourth in 79:47.

Other notable Cumberland Fell Runner performances included Gosforth’s Mark Fussel (62:43) in eighth, Paul Jennings first MV50 in ninth with a time of 63:04, Peter Crompton first MV60 in 67:47, Darren Parker MV50 67:57 and Nick Moore MV60 82:20. CFR took the team prize home.

Wasdale Head Inn, Burnthwaite Farm, Lingmell House and friends of the WMRT supported the race.