Almost a thousand years after the first ever recorded fell race at Braemar in 1058, Skipton staged the last one of the Millennium.

The End of the Century Fell Race was run from Shortbank Road up and down the old Roman road to the summit stone of Rombalds Moor on New Year's Eve.

Organiser Roger Ingham was unable to offer a purse full of gold to the winner as happened in the 11th century but the event matched the Scottish race with a thrilling finish and plenty of good cheer.

Winner was Ted Mason, of Appletreewick, who was pushed hard by runner-up Robert Hudson, formerly of Malhamdale and now of Knarsborough following his recent marriage.

Hudson, also a renowned downhill runner, held what seemed a winning lead at the pinnacle.

But 20-year-old Mason tore into his adversary's advantage on the downward dash and a terrific battle ensued between the two in the closing stages from the old quarry before Mason produced the pace that mattered in the final sprint for glory.

After Mason and Hudson who clocked 17.53 and 17.58 respectively there was almost a minute's gap before there was a grand procession of finishers.

Winner of the fortitude prize in 40th was Skipton's Craig Metcalfe, who not long ago would have been a very serious contender for top spot.

A former county champion he is still fighting his way back from a very serious accident and for him to even figure was no mean achievement.

Hudson's wife, the former Sharon Lee, of Knaresborough, won the women's event in 27.30. Second was Bury's Cath Hignett followed by Burnley's Tracy Targett and Hellifield's Lynn Whitaker.

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