RUNNERS had to contend with knee-deep snow and a steep icy descent in the Stybarrow Dodd race - the fourth event in the Keswick-based Kong winter series of races.

Seventy-six runners took on the 2,200ft climb from Thirlmere Village Hall, St Johns in the Vale, with the four-mile race taking athletes up the flanks of Helvellyn onto Stybarrow Dodd before they tackled a steep descent back to the start.

There was an exciting finish to the senior men's race with the first three home in close contention. The race was won by Borrowdale's Martin Mikkelsen-Barron (44-36) with just five seconds to spare over his team mate Phil Davies (44-41), first V50, with Helm Hill's Rob Jebb (44-59) first V40 in third.

The ladies FV50 was a hotly-contested affair with over 10 runners in this ever growing category coming in within minutes of each other. Helm Hill’s Marie Robson held out for the win in 1.05. The first won was Rosie Hodgson (57-01) who was also first FU23. Team prizes went to Eden Valley (senior men) runners and Keswick (women). Organiser Paul Cornforth praised the marshals for enduring the cold conditions ensuring a safe and enjoyable race.

HELM Hill's Sharon Taylor was the first woman and seventh overall in Saturday's Wadsworth Trog race - also known as The Beast - from Hebden Bridge.

She completed the 19-mile course, over technical paths and open fell in 2-59-33. The first runner home was Ilkley's Jack Wood (2-35-46) from Leeds City's Alsadair McLeod (2-36-53). Ambleside's James Byrne (3-11-07) was 21st.