KIRKBY Stephen's Peter Brittleton was in the thick of the fell racing action as he battled for English championship points in the second counter of the season.

Competing in the 11.25 mile Anniversary Waltz event from Stair in the Newlands Valley, near Keswick, Brittleton was a very creditable 35th in a field of 420 starters.

The race takes in more than 3,000ft of climbing and involves ascents of Robinson, Hindscarth, Dalehead, High Spy and Catbells. Firm underfoot conditions made for fast times with the first five runners home beating the previous record mark for the course set by Borrowdale's Simon Booth.

Bingley's Ian Holmes won the race in 1-28-27 after passing Salford's John Brown on Catbells and earlier overhauling his team mate Rob Jebb following the ascent of Dalehead. Brittleton, who runs for Howgill, posted a time of 1-41-56.

His brother, Paul, who also lives in Kirkby Stephen but runs for Kendal's Helm Hill, found the going a little more difficult and was 73rd in 1-49-48. Howgill's Mike Moss was 207th in 2-03-29.

Keswick's Louise Sharp was the winner of the ladies' race, finishing 95th in 1-51-10.

April 30, 2003 11:00