A RECORD number of competitors and spectators contributed to a hugely successful Grasmere Gallop for the fifth year running.

Almost 900 trail runners, Nordic Walkers and fun-runners took part in the National Trust-run event on Saturday.

Winners included:

• 17k male winner - Alex Rowe, Derwent Athletics Club

• 17K female winner – Carolyne Baxter, Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club

• 10K male winner – Paul Coon, Derwent Athletics Club

• 10K female winner – Sarah Howard, Liverpool Harriers

• 10K Nordic walk male winner – Matthew Gibbs, Preston

• 10K Nordic walk female winner- Ewa Piotrowicz

• 5K Fun Run Under 16 Male - Daniel Racle

• 5K Fun Run Under 16 Female – Finty Royle, Red Rose Road Runners

• 5K Fun Run Over 16 Male - Ronald McKelvie, Lytham St. Annes

• 5K Fun Run Over 16 Female – Emma Wright, Staveley

Race organisers have received some good feedback and some competitors have already signed up for next year.

Competitor race entrance fees from every Gallop are invested back into the local landscape to care and protect it for future generations.

David Almond, manager for Allan Bank and Grasmere, said: “Despite challenging weather conditions, it was another brilliant day, from the piper at the start to the cake at the end. It was brilliant to see all the runner’s smiles as they crossed the finish line.

“We’re now looking forward to the next stage which is planning the conservation work that all you lovely runners have contributed to.”

Two people needed rescuing by during the event by Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.

Fist a man was treated for a knee injury at Rydal Cave before being stretchered off the fells and then a woman suffered a more serious cut to her knee at Loughrigg Terrace and was taken to hospital.