If you can get to the start line then the race is on" is the response fellrunners expect if they ever enquire about the possible cancellation of a fellrace. Thus no fellrunner doubted that last weekend's Dalehead race would go ahead even if competitors without petrol had to run to the race start in Borrowdale.

Four plus miles is short for a serious fellrace but the 2210 feet of ascent to the summit of Dalehead made the race a worthy final counter towards the current English Fellrunning Championship with rain making the descent over greasy rock particularly treacherous.

Skyrac, the leading FRA fellrunning club in Wharfedale, has been represented at all six English Championship races and based the club championship around the series. The Dalehead race was the ninth event in the year-long competition of ten events.

Only the serious contenders for club honours chose the Borrowdale event for their weekend race and they finished in order: Nigel Kirkbright (61.07), Graham Breeze (62.53), Ralph Warman (66.55) and Graham Grinstead (69.00). This result means that even with one race left in the series Graham Breeze has retained the Championship Shield he won in 1999 and becomes only the second person after Ralph Warman to achieve this feat in the 13 years of the competition.

The other podium places are currently held by Ralph Warman and Nigel Kirkbright (twice winner of the trophy) but final positions await the outcome of the last event which is the 17 mile Tour of Pendle in mid-November.

Overall winner of the Dalehead race was Bingley's Ian Holmes who won in 42 min 51 sec and with style ahead of Gavin Bland and Simon Booth of Borrowdale who were racing on their home territory.

The leader in the Tour de France is awarded le maillot jaune and every rider who wears the jersey is inspired to even greater effort. Skyrac runners also wear their yellow vest with pride and you can as well by ringing 0113-229-0924.