IT was a perfect start to the fell running calendar for Ambleside Athletic Club's Garry Greenhow after he romped to victory in the first race of the Kendal Winter League Series on a cold and still Sunday afternoon.

The 35-year-old, of Windermere, has taken an early lead in the series after crossing the line in a time of 27:37, 18 seconds ahead of Sam Fisher, of the Howgill Harriers in the race across Scout Scar.

Ambleside's Jon Rylance, a MV40 competitor, completed the top three in a time of 28:07 while just seven seconds split the next three finishers - Nigel Wood, Michael Ainsworth and Keiran Hodgson - all of host club Helm Hill.

Howgill Harriers' Heidi Dent, who finished 22nd overall, was first woman home in a time of 30:07 and was followed by Anna Lupton (30:25), of Black Combe, and Sharon Taylor (30:57), of Helm Hill.

The u17 race was won by Dallam's Jacob Steele in a time of 17:17 and was closely followed by Luke Bowen, of Ambleside. The first girl to cross the line was Lancaster and Morecambe's Scarlet Dale in a time of 18:05.

The u14 race was a tight affair as Eden Runners' Samuel Almond (08:28) edged out Euan Brennan, of Ilkley Runners, by just three seconds. Helm Hill's Katie Thurlow was first girl home in a time of 09:47.

In the u12 race, Ambleside brothers Harry (06:48) and James Bowen (06:50) finished in second and third-placed respectively as they were edged out by Eden Runners' Charlie Harding (06:37).

Keighley and Craven's Lilli Carr (06:58) was first girl to finish.

Meanwhile, in the V50 categories, Brian Kennedy, of Settle, won in a time of 31:04 while Jessica Goodfellow, of Dallam, swept aside the competition and finished one minute ahead of her closest rival.

Ambleside's Hazel Robinson was clear winner in the V50 ladies while Michael Walsh (V60), George James (V70) and Wendy Dodd (V60) also recorded victories.

The next race in the series, which is sponsored by Kendal-based decorators Different Strokes, takes place at Firbank Fell on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Borrowdale Fell Runners' Kim Collison crossed the line first in the 12.9km Nine Standards Fell Race, which starts and ends in Kirkby Stephen's Market Square.

Collison finished in a time of 58:06, some way behind the record of 51:44.

Helm Hill's Kieran Hodgson and Howgill Harriers' Sam Fisher completed the top three while Caitlin Rice, who finished 19th overall, was first female home in a time of 01:07:19.

Charlotte Milligan, of Helm Hill, was first FU23 back after completing the race in 01:13.49. Overall, there was 104 runners with just one DNF.