The seniors race was preceded by a series of races for junior runners. More than 20 took part in the first race for the under-8s and Joey Gwilliam, Gemma Johnson, Chloe Greenwood and Daisy Hunter all ran well for the local club.

Previous heavy rain meant that the going under foot was very boggy but the weather was kind to the runners and spectators staying warm and dry all day, producing some great running conditions.

The older age groups all set off together and headed up towards Daisy Bank before traversing across and tackling the challenging climb up White Field Lane after cutting through the woods.

The under-10/12s turned for home heading back through Park Fold Wood to Daisy Bank before sprinting down the final field to the finish amidst loud vocal support. Jack Crummett of Todmorden Harriers led home the under-10 closely followed by Luka Morris and Sam Foster for the host club. Jude Corcos, Adam Johnson and Silas Paige all finished in the first 10 with Stanley Hunter one place further back. Jade Harvey continues to improve taking second place in the girls race.

The under-12 race produced some great performances with the first five runners all finishing inside the previous course record, while Ben Johnstone from Wharfedale came home in first place he was followed by Max Wharton, Finlay King, Edan Whitelaw, Joe Fazackerley and Euan Davies who all run for Calder Valley.

Finishing just outside the top ten for the host club were Jamie Gwilliam and Jack Fillingham. In the equivalent girls race Issy Wharton continued to dominate winning the race and adding the under-12 race record to the under10 she set last year improving by over a minute. This year she was followed home by Roe Mather making her debut in the red and white of Calder Valley. Molly Chesworth and Hannah Fillingham also ran well to finish third and fourth respectively.

Having set off with the others the competitors in the under-14 and under-16 races were turned on a different route by the well positioned marshals who ensured the runners safety throughout, where they headed on to the open moor and encountered the boggy conditions.

The under-14 boys race was won by Kristian Edwards who had made the journey up from Tamworth, he is currently leading the English Championships and so it was no surprise that a runner of his talent should set a new course record taking over a minute and half of the previous best.

However Calder’s runners were not overawed and Peter Walker continued his recent introduction to the sport of fell running by finishing a very fine second with Jack Paige in hot pursuit in fourth and Jamie Davies completing the trio of Calder boys in sixth.

The local club’s next race will be as part of the weekend known as Midsummer Madness in June when the Reservoir Bogs race will be run from the Hare and Hounds at Chiserley.

l Senior race report on page 15