A TROPHY was presented to the organiser of one of the Lakes’ most iconic fell races at the annual meeting of Ambleside Sports.

Pete Bland, who is stepping down after 42 years at the helm of the Rydal Round, was given an engraved glass plaque in recognition of his efforts.

Pete, a sports equipment retailer and former champion fell runner, has been involved with Ambleside Sports for 62 years since winning the guides race as a teenager.

He established the nine-mile event, which follows the route of the Fairfield Horseshoe, in 1984.

He said that the award was a great honour. “Ambleside Sports is always a wonderful day and I am very proud to be involved.  I will still be there, and I will still be helping.”

The chairman, Jak Hurst, said that the Rydal Round was the blue riband event of Ambleside Sports and was loved by fellrunners from all over the country.

The race is sponsored by local holiday lettings company Heart of the Lakes. Director Sue Jackson said: “Pete has been a stalwart at the Sports for many years and we are immensely grateful for all he’s done.”

The new race organiser is Carolyn Menaud Meschino of Ambleside AC whose father Gerry Menaud – former hound trailer, and a competitor in the Rydal Round for many years – died recently.

Ambleside Sports will be held on Thursday July 27.