MERCIA's Simon Bailey set a new course record as more than 120 runners descended on Kirby-in-Furness this weekend for the annual Kirby Gala.

The senior route starts, and ends, in the gala field and is a challenging, 4.3 mile, double summit race taking in Out Park and Bank House Moor.

In previous years it has been known for novices and the experienced runners alike to lose their way along the heather moorland and return via alternative routes.

From the start, the senior race was a battle for supremacy. However, by the time the return had begun, Bailey, described as 'an animal' by his closest rival, had a clear lead over the rest. He stormed around the course to set a new record of 0:29:49. 2nd place went to Barlick’s Jimmy Craig (0:32.04) and 3rd man home was Kirkby local Josh Hartley (0:35.08).

Winner of the ladies race was Angela Donlan (0:41.46), followed by Pippa Barrett (0:43.15) and Mercia’s Kirstin Bailey (0:43.52).

The U17 race was won by Helm Hill’s Jacob Aubrey (19.09). 2nd and 3rd boys were Dallam’s Reuben Copley (19.16) and Wharfedale Harriers’ Adam Gibson (20.23). 1st girl was Clayton-le-Moor's Briony Holt (22.57), continuing her excellent form this season. 2nd and 3rd girls were Wharfedale’s Emily Jones (36.14) and Settle Harriers’ Emily Carpenter (27.37).

The U14 boys’ race was won by Settle’s Thomas Marshall (14.47) with Wharfedale brothers Alex (15.14) and Will Thompson (15.20) in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The winner of the girls race was Wharfedale’s Alice Jones (17.02), followed by Rossendale Harriers’ Lauryn Gregg (17.51), 2nd, and Helm Hill’s Lottie Beardwood (18.00), 3rd.

The U12 race was another clear win for Helm Hill’s Henry Hunter (9.07) with Calder Valley’s James Duffy (9.27) and Ilkley Harriers’ Lewis Carr (9.30) 2nd and 3rd respectively. The girls’ race was won by Clayton le Moors Ella Dorrington (9.53). 2nd and 3rd girls were Keighley and Craven’s Beth Roberts(9.59) and Broughton Runners Emily Swarbrick (10.04).

The U9 race was won by Settle’s Jack Sanderson (2.39). Simon’s son, Oliver Bailey was 2nd (2.42) and Hoad Hill harriers’ Oliver Oldham was 3rd (2.54). 1st girl was Keighley and Craven’s Neive Roberts (3.02). 2nd and 3rd girls were Pudsey and Bramley’s Melissa Walker (3.16) and Teesdale AC’s Rosie Dry (3.24).