Airienteers got their O-Lite Spring Series under way last Saturday at Calverley Woods.

Steve Watkins of Baildon ran out the winner of the longest course (green) with a sparkling run in 37min 08sec, over four minutes ahead of English international runner Helen Gardner from York, who finished in 41.22.

Nick Howlett, from the Lakes, was third in 42.03, while Peter Jones (fifth) and veteran international Ruth Ker (sixth) were the other top Airienteers.

In the shorter courses, there were wins for Noah Howlett (orange course), Phillip and Charlie Wright (yellow course) and Annie Brown (white course).

Meanwhile, Airienteers travelled to Wombwell, near Barnsley, last Sunday to compete in South Yorkshire Orinteering Club’s event.

Airienteers had one winner in the shape of junior runner Sam Avis, who had a good run on the 3.5km light green course in 33min 39sec. Mark Penny (seventh) and Helen Woodley (ninth) were high fliers for Airienteers.

Susan Stevens (sixth in 46.55) and James Avis (11th in 48.53) were the pick of Airienteers' runners on the 4.4km green course, which was won by Gardner in a sizzling 33.20.

Bruce Woodley continued his recent good form with third place in 46.23 on the 6km blue course, which was won by South Yorkshire’s Nick Lightfoot in 43.52. Ali Wood was eighth in 48.57 and Andis Celinskis 12th in 50.39.

Watkins was again Aire’s top runner on the 7.9km brown course, which he completed in 52.55, coming 11th. Dave Bowman was close behind in 53.46 for 13th spot and Neil Conway in 53.54 for 14th position.

On Sunday, Airienteers travel to Hanging Moor, above the Washburn Valley, to compete in a district event run by Claro, the Harrogate-based club. Details of this and other events at this friendly club can be found at aire.org.uk.