Athletes took to the fells last weekend despite the snow and ice for the fourth race in the La Sportiva presented Kong Winter Fell Series took place last Saturday from Legburthwaite.

In almost perfectly calm weather, the field of 76 runners set off up Sticks pass and onto Stybarrow Dodd before the plunge back down. Another short race at only 6.5km but with 700m of ascent, but the almost alpine snowy conditions made progress slow and hard work.

The race attracted a good field, and with it being the last counter in the Cumberland Fell Runners winter league, nine runners from CFR braved the weather and journey to Thirlmere.

The race was won by Borrowdale’s Martin Mikkelsen-Barron in a time of 44:36, just ahead of his club mate Phil Davies.

First CFR man back was the ever improving under-23 athlete, Peter Walmsley in a time of 55 minutes, just ahead of his fellow CFR runner Jack Gilbert.

Both runners came home in the top 20 with Peter claiming top spot in the under-23 category.

Andy and Kate Beaty continue to dominate the vet 60 classes, both coming back well ahead of any of their rivals to claim top spot. Andy finished 21st overall in this race, leaving many younger runners in his wake.

Other category prize winners included Lindsay Buck with second in the ladies vet 50 class and the ever young David Fell in the over 70 class. A tremendous achievement, finishing 56th overall in the race.

On Sunday a couple of CFR members attended the Montane sponsored half marathon at Grizedale Forest. Ran entirely off road with a not inconsiderable climb of 250m thrown in Cumberland Fell Runners members claimed the top spot in both the men's and ladies races.

Mark Likeman showed good form to win comfortably, being the only runner to beat the 90 minute mark. He was nearly 5 minutes ahead of Derwent AC’s improving Bruce Hardy. There were 166 starters and Sophie Noon’s winter training paid off as she finished an impressive sixth place overall, beating some very talented other ladies to finish a full minute and a half clear in a very impressive 98 minutes.

The next local race is Jarrett’s Jaunt, from Wath Brow on February 16. Run as a handicap race it gives a slightly different slant to racing. More details on the CFR website and Facebook page.