MORE than 400 of the country's best fell runners were assembled to compete in the second round of the English Fell Championship, for once the stars were not the athletes but the race itself.

Saturday saw the staging of the 50th Three Peaks Race, described by the Fellrunner magazine as "The most famous and prestigious fell race in England."

Starting at Horton-in-Ribblesdale near Settle, it covers a 24-mile circuit with climbs to the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

Although held in Yorkshire, the origins of the race are firmly in Lancashire with all six of the runners in the first race of 1954 hailing from the county.

Following Fred Bagley's win, his club Preston Harriers organised the second race, with Clayton Harriers taking over to organise the next eight before stepping aside in favour of the specially formed Three Peaks Race Association.

The names of Clayton Harriers Stan Bradshaw and Alf Case, who finished second and third in the inaugural race are an integral part of the history of the Peaks with Bradshaw completing 24 times and Case involved in its organisation for two decades.

Both men were on the VIP guest list this year along with Blackburn Harrier life member George Kirby, who provided the race commentary for 35 years.

Kirby commented. "Of all the things I've done in athletics, I think the Three Peaks has given me the most pleasure."

Around 15 years ago, George donated a trophy for the first Lancastrian finisher, and it was most appropriate that it was a Clayton Harrier, who lifted it this year.

Paul Thompson was eighth in 3:10:16 on one of the hottest days in Three Peaks history.

Thompson is a real form horse having won the Manx Mountain Marathon at Easter, but he was also more canny than most of his rivals. With dehydration a problem among even the elite, Thompson recruited a friend to meet him at points along the route with extra water supplies.

Race winner for the fourth time was Bingley Harrier Andy Peace in 2:55:46 -uniquely he's also won the cyclo-cross event twice - while first woman was Keswick's Louise Sharp in 3:39:49.

It was the 25th Anniversary Race for the women's event established in 1979 and Clayton Harrier Wendy Dodds holds the record for the most appearances with 21.

Dodds was the joint winner in 1983 and this year she was once again celebrating as the first over 50.

Her time of 4:15:35 was good for eighth in the women's race and ensured she was the highest of our local finishers.

Katy Thompson - Paul's mother - was third in the same class in 4:38:02.

They were the only Clayton women to finish, but the over 50 men were third team with Kieran Carr 74th in 3:50:23, and Peter Booth 84th with 3:53:28 their top men.

Meanwhile, Clayton's Martin Podmore was third under 25 in 3:32:52.

Adopted Lancastrian Rob Hope from Wheelton was 21st for the Pudsey and Bramley club in 3:22:45, Todmorden's Jon Wright took 24th in 3:23:30, and there was a top 30 finish for Darwen based Horwich Harrier Graham Schofield, 28th in 3:25:55.

The only other locals to beat 3:30 were Clayton duo Garry Wilkinson and Ian Greenwood in respective times of 3:28:10 and 3:28:48.

Garry's father Richard Wilkinson will receive a commemorative picture at next year's race as he completed his 21st Peaks while Dave Scott continues to home in on the all time record of 38 which he is due to equal next year.

Rob Wynne of Bowland Fell Runners was another to demonstrate his stamina finishing 68th in 3:46:30 just a week after running the London Marathon!