Mike Whyatt of Bowland Fell Runners and the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Wendy Dodds and Kieran Carr were class winners in the 24-mile long Yorkshire Three Peaks Race - but in this race of attrition it was Dave Scott, Pete McWade and Katy Thompson who proved that have real staying power.

Pride of place went to 63-year-old Dave Scott who set a new record of 39 finishes as he crossed the line in 4:52:30. His first race over Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough was back in 1965 and he has finally eclipsed the record of fellow Clayton man Alan Heaton who ran the last of his 38 races in 1995.

The men receive a special award after 21 successful completions and Scott is hoping to become the first to double that mark. He would complete 1,000 miles racing over the route during his 42nd appearance.

Pete McWade is still the over 40 record holder with 3:01:50 set in 1989, and he made his 21st appearance with eighth in the over 50 class in 4:07:14.

While the race was established in 1954, women didn't compete until 1979 and so they receive their award after 15 appearances. Katy Thompson earned hers this year as she finished 25th woman in 4:43:49. Pete and Katy will receive their mementos at next year's event.

The only over 50 ahead of Thompson was fellow Clayton Harrier Wendy Dodds who stretched her own record of appearances to 23 as she placed 18th in the women's race in 4:28:33.

She was our leading local woman following the retirement of Darwen resident Carmen Anthony with a sprained ankle. Anna Marie Crabtree of Chorley Harriers finished 22nd in 4:41:42 with Clayton's Tracy Mitchell 24th in 4:42:11. Dodds Michell and Thompson combined to give their club third in the women's team standings.

Rob Jebb from Bingley Harriers won for the second successive year. Mike Whyatt from Bowland Fell Runners was the first local in eighth and he also lifted the over 40 prize.

Matt Nuttall of Blackburn Harriers was next with 23rd in 3:30:52 with fifth veteran Mike Johnson of Bowland 31st in 3:36:01. Under 40s Andy Orr of Clayton, Mark Chippendale of Bowland and Accrington Road Runner Brent Hoggan all dipped below the elite 3:45 mark.

Nevertheless they couldn't prevent Bowland from winning the veteran's team prize with Whyatt, Johnson and Ali Welsh the counters.