LOCAL knowledge proved to be the real winner at the Beamsley Beacon fell race, as Ilkley Harriers dominated proceedings.

The race, which sets off from the field adjoining Addingham Parish Church and heads towards the suspension bridge over the River Wharfe, was certainly to the liking of a triumphant trio of Harriers.

Rob Little, Jack Cummings and Nathan Edmondson were the first three men across the line, as the club completed an impressive 1-2-3. Cummings took an early lead but soon lost it to Little who was first to the summit.

Although that does not automatically mean first across the line, Little maintained his lead to win in 33.15 from Cummings, second in 33.54, and Nathan Edmondson, third in 35.20 – the order already set at the summit.

In the ladies event, Wharfedale's Monica Padilla finished in 42 minutes and six seconds, meaning that she was pipped into second place by pacey Ilkley athlete Pauline Munro, who crossed the line in 41.32.

In contrast to previous years, the race attracted some younger runners, with the Under-19 race being won by another fine Ilkley Harriers’ athlete in the form of Oscar Stapleton (35.37).

He came fifth overall, fighting off competition from Wharfedale duo Logan Hargreaves-Madhas (46.13) and Will Thompson (53.28).

Rebecca Harper came third in the ladies race for Otley AC and her time of 44.12 was just enough to stave off the competition of her clubmates Victoria Stainburn (44.20) and Louise Williams (45.07).

With Harper, Stainburn and Williams finishing third, fourth and fifth, Otley managed to secure the women's team price, and the latter's position was enough to secure her the title for first FV40.

Sharron Smith finished 12th overall in the women's race with a time of 48.53, ensuring herself a good finish in the FV40 category too.

In the men's race, Tom Lynch produced a solid run to come 22nd with a time of 38.52, while Andy Pullan came 66th in 45.37. John Dade performed well for the club in the MV50 category too, producing a run of 49.09.

Meanwhile, Otley runners Matt Podd and Ryk Downes took part in the Spine Fusion and Flare Ultra Marathon, which begins in Edale, Derbyshire and is run over a staggering 268 miles, taking well over a day to complete.

After tackling all kinds of different terrain and weather conditions, Podd reached the finish at Hardraw in the Yorkshire Dales at 11:30pm, with his incredible trek taking 39 hours and 27 minutes to complete.

Podd earned a well-deserved rest after the event, with the organisers erecting tents in the garden of the finish centre so competitors could go to sleep after their exertions

Downes ran with a friend and the pair completed the course in 49 hours.