Newly-crowned British and English fell champ Ian Holmes failed to add traditional 'Open' running's blue riband title at Grasmere to his laurels.

The Keighley-based Bingley Harrier finished second-best to Borrowdale's Gavin Bland over short but tough one and a half miler. Holmes trailed the winner by about 70 yards.

The famous sports were this year switched from Thursday to Sunday in a bid to capture the crowds.

Fellrunners' attention in the Dales last weekend centred on Burnsall and Gargrave - both last Saturday. Keighley and Craven's Jo Prowse - like Holmes a British and English champ this Summer - led home the women at Gargrave Show. It meant a rare 'hattrick' of wins over the Sharphaw hill for the veteran following on success at BOFRA's Sharphaw and K&C's Stirton races earlier in the year.

A good field at Gargrave chased a special £50 prize for breaking the course record. But despite the incentive it proved unbeatable with Bradford Airedale's Steve Oldfield (22.36) finishing some 20 seconds outside the mark. Keighley and Craven's Alfie Atkinson - third at the trig turn - had to settle for second.

At Burnsall Bingley's decade-long domination of the fell classic was ended by Pudsey and Bramley's Gary Devine. He led all the way to beat his clubmate Paul Sheard in 14.13 - well outside John Wild's long-survuving record. Robin Lawrence in fourth spot was Bingley's best finisher.

Lancashire runners made a cleansweep in the demanding 10 mile road race with victory going to Salford's Duncan Mason in 52.54.

n Entries are now being taken for Keighley and Craven's Bront Way run on Sunday, October 4. Free places on the bus to the Wycoller start are limited to the first 50 applicants. Entry is £3 from Kevin Hopkinson at 22 Regent Crescent, Skipton, N.Yorkshire, BD23 1BG, tel 01756 794979.

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