INTERNATIONAL fell runner Mel Hyder set a new course record for girls as she stormed to victory in her first Sedbergh School 10-Mile WIlson Run.

Hyder, of Bolton le Sands, finished as first girl home in 1hr 27 mins 30 secs to knock 7mins 40 secs off the previous record as she continued an impressive season.

The course took runners along road and fell from Sedbergh, through Cautley and over Baugh Fell before returning to Sedbergh and despite falling over, Hyder was delighted with the win.

She said: “It feels great to win but it was a really difficult course. I think people think it is easy for me because I do fell running but I don’t do many 10 mile courses. I fell over once and it hit me a bit but I had to keep going.”

Katie May finished second 15 minutes behind Hyder in 1.42.52, with Danielle Froldi coming third in 1.47.38.

Hyder has just finished top of the Kendal Winter League and is now setting her sights on the Hawkshead Challenge at the end of April.

In the boys event 17-year-old Sam Fisher of Sedbergh fought off a close competition with Peter Harrison to win the race at his first attempt.

Fisher also fell over on Baugh Fell, but pulled away from Harrison in the final stages to come home in 1.15.41.

Harrison was 25 seconds back in 1.16.06 and Josh Thompson completed the top three in 1.19.22.

Fisher said: “It was wet and I fell over a few times on Baugh Fell and had Peter close behind me all the way. It was tough out there and it was only when I got to the last corner I thought I had won it.

“It was my first year running it and I will be back to defend it next year.”

Following a good season running with the school, Fisher has been called up to an England fell running training camp during the Easter holidays.

The school’s traditional run, which started back in 1881, continues to go from strength to strength though and this year 126 sixth form pupils were involved.

Headteacher Christopher Hirst said: “This run is part of the heritage of the school and we are very grateful to the farmers and community for the land they allow us to use for the run. We had a very good field this year and I think conditions have been good for the race.”

Running coach Jon Richardson added: “This year has been pretty good and we have more better than average runners. The running team has won a few local things this year and also the Midland and Northern Cross Country title. We also have four or five international runners coming through so things are looking good.

“Everyone seems to want to be involved in the run but we have to limit it to sixth form only.”

Hugh Symonds has been race organiser for 16 years and is due to retire at the end of the school but he said he could be back for next year’s race because of the atmosphere.

He said: “This was the ninth year girls have been able to run and there are more getting involved and it gets better every year. The race record for the boys still stands but the race means so much for the town and we have to thank everyone who has helped this year.”

Results: Top ten: 1 S Fisher 1.15.41, 2 P Harrison 1.16.06, 3 J Thompson 1.19.22, 4 S Dutton 1.23.00, 5 T Baker 1.23.22, 6 M Ganly 1.25.35, 7 J Rollings 1.26.39, 8 M Smith 1.26.47, 9 G Philpot 1.26.56, 10 W Petty 1.27.10.

Top girl: M Hyder 1.27.30.