Last updated 19:33, Thursday, 06 November 2008

THE 240 runners who arrived at Broughton Mills near Coniston to compete in the annual fell race were met by beautiful autumn sunshine and near-perfect conditions for racing.

The Dunnerdale Fell Race covers 5.5 miles and includes 1,500 feet of ascent and is considered by many to be a classic.

It starts on Tarmac and proceeds with a lung-bursting climb on road for half a mile which generally sorts out the pecking order.

True to form Ellenborough’s Ricky Lightfoot was right at the head of proceedings, locking horns with fellow internationals Rob Hope, of Pudsey and Bramley, and Tom Addison, a young man with huge potential representing Helm Hill Runners.

It was eventually Hope who had just enough in the tank to pull away from Lightfoot and secure a hard-earned victory, finishing in 38 minutes 49 seconds.

Lightfoot crossed the line second in 39.08 with Tom Addison close behind in third in 39.33.

Lightfoot’s clubmate and training partner Brian Taylor was once again among the leading group, with the Vet40 runner crossing the line in a very creditable eighth in 41.52.

The next Ellenborough athlete to the finish was Vet55 Jacky Winn, the English V55 champion, taking 29th in 46.03, leaving many runners only half his age trailing behind.

Other Ellenborough competitors on the day included Chris Hindmoor, who is improving with each race, 63rd in 50.18 and Wayne Jackson 100th in 55.02.

Ellenborough travel to Burnley this weekend to compete in the first round of the Mid Lancs Cross Country League which generally attracts large fields including some of the best athletes in the North West.

Information regarding club training nights or future competitions can be obtained by contacting Brian Taylor at Netherhall Community Sports Centre on 01900 813434 and selecting option three.