Pudsey & Bramley AC runners ambushed Sunday’s Winter Hill Fell Race at Rivington, Lancashire, as they claimed the top three places and overall team prize.

Rob and Danny Hope took first (86min 54sec) and second respectively, followed by Graham Pearce.

Times for the 11-mile course, including 2,750 feet of climbing, were relatively fast in the cold, dry conditions. Adam Breaks (97:20) and Gav Mulholland (97:27) of Calder Valley featured in the top ten, while Steve Turland (21st) was first runner back for Ilkley Harriers, with team-mate Nick Pearce (39th) the first male over-55.

Meanwhile, the Rombalds Stride Winter Challenge drew 466 finishers. The normally-scenic route over Otley Chevin, Baildon and Rombalds Moors was shrouded in deep fog, causing navigational issues.

The “Stride”, which began as a long-distance walk in aid of organisers the 16th Airedale Scout Troop, is billed as a 25-miler, although most runners reported that they ran around 22½ miles.

The winning time of 2hr 38min, set by the in-form Graham Pearce, was impressive. Richard Pattinson and Shane Green (Pudsey & Bramley), and Graham Stephens also broke the three-hour mark.

Jo Waites of Calder Valley was first in the ladies’ race (3hr 17min), followed 16 minutes later by Alison Eagles (Ilkley).

Many local runners took part, with Skyrac’s Martin Farrar (21st) and Bob Pritchard (26th) performing well.

Tomorrow marks the conclusion of the West Yorkshire Winter League series with a 4½ mile course hosted by Dewsbury Road Runners.