THANKFULLY Saturday was clear and bright for Ironbridge Runner's Great West Fell Race.

This annual event saw 41 runners meet at Meldon Dam, just outside Okehampton, follow a 5mile course with a 1360ft ascent up Yes Tor, across to High Willhays and back to the start via Black Tor.

The terrain was varied with no clear paths to follow only compulsory check points to pass. Following a steep and rocky climb to Yes Tor runners enjoyed the occasional spot of rain as they traversed the ridge to High Willhays before the thrill-seekers descent to Black Tor and finally Meldon Dam. T

The first home was James Waldie of Cornwall AC in a course record of 37 minutes 54 seconds. ORC's Andy Vallance was second in 38.54 followed by ORC members Paul Crease (41.23) and Gavin Punchard (41.49).

The first lady to finish was ORC's Kirstin Phippard in 50.05, thoroughly enjoying the challenge of fell racing after completing numerous road races of varying distance, including the London Marathon at the start of the year. She said that 'these off road races really make me smile! The challenge is to complete them without breaking your leg, not necessarily for a specific time like so many road races.'

Club members Greg Miller and Darren Duffy also finished in excellent times of 52.04 and 54.07 respectively.