FELL runner, Ian Holmes, has given warning he is not giving way to younger athletes - without a fight.

Holmes, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, clocked up his 11th consecutive win in the Soreen Stanbury Splash last Sunday, leaving a host of top athletes training in his wake.

The Yorkshire Fell Running champion is looking to take national honours again, despite being classified a 'veteran' runner.

"He has totally dominated the race," said race organiser Dave Woodhead.

Almost 300 athletes took part in the race, which is nicknamed 'Maltloaf Run' because every competitor gets as loaf from race sponsors Soreen.

The route for the event was changed at the last minute following a request from English nature and many runners though the new course was actually better than the traditional route. Those taking part had scenic views around the head of the valley with the 292 runners spread across the skyline.

"The weather conditions were almost perfect with sunshine making it feel almost spring-like," Dave Woodhead said.

Holmes finished the 7-mile race, which includes 1200ft of climbing, in 41mins 53 secs. He was almost two minutes ahead of a nearest rival, Tim Austin from Derbyshire who finished in 43:25. Third place went to fellow over-40 runner Dave Neill (44:14).

Natalie White, who is also the current Yorkshire Champion, won the women's race. The Bingley athlete was 29th overall and set a time of 49:01 well ahead of Sharon Taylor (52:51) who won the race in 2003 and 2004.

Third place went to the improving Tamara Hird (54:29).

Robin Bradbury won the locals trophy finishing in 19th place overall. The cyclist, who works at Aire Valley Cycles in Keighley, set a time of 48:11. Second place went to former winner Colin Moses (48:52) with Paul Crabtree third in 51:15.

A total of 81 juniors took part in the Quarry Runs with two new records being set.

Rosie Hellawell set a new mark in the girls Under-12 race with a time of 7:22, just three second behind the boys winner in the same age group, Joshua Crane.

Bo Haywood, who had travelled with her family from Lincoln, took the girls Under-10 record in a time of 8mins 08 seconds. The boys race was won by Josh Ferguson from Haworth in a time of 7:57.

Tom Sessford from Silsden won the Under-14s race in 6:27 with Rebecca Thomspon from Pendle winning the girls Under-14 race in 8:22.

A total of 30 budding athletes took part in the Under-8s race which was won by Ben Cheetham in 2:44 ahead of Yasmin Wright and Amy Moses.