Wharfedale 3 Peaks
The tough and undulating Wharfedale 3 peaks course welcomed runners on a sunny and warm Saturday (27 June). The race starts in Kettlewell and immediately runners tackle a 1 mile ascent of Birks Fell, followed by Buckden Pike and Great Whernside totalling almost 4,000 feet of ascent in the 22 miles long course. Anneke Imeson put in her best performance of the year to finish 2nd lady and 13th overall in 4 hours 14 minutes 3 seconds.
Paul Walker diverted off course for a while but recovered to be Ripon’s second finisher in 4:19:33 closely followed by 3rd lady Clair Baker in 4:21:43. The next trio of finishers comprised Stephen Butler (4:28:52), Ray Raper (4:29:17) and Paul Morgan (4:30:25). Mike Appleton enjoyed the off road terrain for a change although a twisted ankle hampered his finish time of 4:49:09. Kim Holden (5:34:19) and Simon McCudden (5:35:34) completed Ripon’s representation, while Matthew Holt retired after 8 miles due to a twisted ankle.