PENDLE athlete Dawn Richards only took up fell running because she got fed up watching her son Sam compete.

But she soon discovered a latent talent and for the last two years she has been the winning veteran at the British Open Fell Running Association (BOFRA) Championships.

Dawn took part in a dozen races, including one trip into Scotland for the Alva Games near Stirling, and not only took the Over 40s title, but was also second in the seniors behind Lisa Lacon.

She was the winner in her age band six times, second on another five occasions and was third only at Embsay.

She had already secured victory before the end of the season, but for others the last race was crucial, and they had an extra week to wait as the Wasdale Show had to be cancelled.

The organisers rapidly put together another race at Cracoe, near Skipton, allowing everyone to complete the required eight fixtures. The final race was called the Rylstone, and Richards was once again the first over 40s female, while former Clayton man Tim Edward was first outright and the first veteran.

In fifth spot, Jack Holt from Clayton was also second in the Over 50s and England Junior International Jack Thompson was second in the Under 23s for Pendle.

In the junior races, Jordan Beard of Rossendale Harriers and Pendle’s Emma Spencer were each third in the U17s and Dale’s Pascal Dark was second U14.

Holt, the defending Over 50s BOFRA champion, lost his crown to Adrian Pickles, despite three wins and 10 second places But he did have the consolation of finishing above the Over 45s winner Colin Urmston in the overall standings despite fellow Clayton Harrier Urmston winning his class nine times.

Highest placed of the local seniors was Brendon Taylor of Rossendale, the son of the current England and British Fell Champion Ken Taylor, who was third. In fifth, Jack Thompson clinched second place in the U23s.

The Flanagan sisters from Rossendale Harriers each won silver medals – Emma in the U17s and Rebecca in the U12s. Each of them won three times while Pendle’s Emma Spencer won once to finish third in the U17s.

Rossendale were the largest local supporters of the BOFRA races and there were top six finishes over the season for Rebecca Swindells, fifth U17s, and Chloe Law, sixth U12s, as well as Faith Biddle from Hyndburn, who was sixth in the U14s.

Dale’s Pascal Dark finished the season strongly with two wins and a second in the last three rounds for bronze in the U14s, while David Wilson of Pendle was fifth.

Dale’s Marcus Preedy was sixth in the U12s, while Sam Richards – his mum’s inspiration – took sixth in the U17s.

* The BOFRA Championship presentation night and dinner dance is at the Carleton Inn at Morecambe on Saturday, November 8, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Call Pauline Scholes on 01535 631755 for possible late availability.