Fewer of the CVFR juniors were out this last week, although between them, they covered a number of races. On Saturday, 7^th April, at the Pendle Fell Race, CVFR, Fred Slater was the only under 9 runner and Fearnie Hanson the only U13, coming in a respectable 22^nd and 38^th (17^th girl) in their respective races, with both gaining invaluable race experience for the future. Amongst the older juniors, Alex Duffield put in another strong run, coming in 10^th in the U15s, in his second race of the week.

William Hall was the only junior hoop to head to the final KWL race at Elterwater – a 1.6km with 200m of climbing and plenty of grass, rocks and bogs thrown in for good measure. Will raced strongly, placing second in the U15 category – a mere 15 seconds behind the race (and overall U15 league) winner Ollie Sanders of Helm Hill. Whilst official results had yet to be confirmed at time of print, it is looking like Will has tied for second place overall, a result that is all the more amazing, considering he only moved up from U13’s in the past year.

Tuesday 3^rd April also saw the second of three Easter Bunny Runs – with this year’s fun organised for the first time by Wharfedale Harriers, following the retirement of fell-race organising legends, Dave & Eileen ‘Woodentops’ Woodhead. With points meaning chocolate prizes galore, these races are a firm favourite amongst junior runners (12+), with all runners getting a free cream egg and the chance to improve on their previous week’s results.

Elijah Peers-Web running long lap race (credit Dave Woodhead)

James Duffy was the first CVFR runner to finish, placing a solid 5th in his first year in the U15 category. Fellow CVFR U15s, Alex Duffield and Elijah Peers-Web also ran good races. Alex was just pipped for 10th U15 place by 7 seconds (finishing 64th overall) and Elijah Peers-Web came in 12th U15 (76 overall).  

James Duffy (credit Mick Fryer)

– Calder Valley News Reporter:Catherine Jones

A sunny afternoon in Ambleside saw 18 of the Calder Valley juniors tackle the Todd Crag fell race.  This was the first of the FRA English Championship races and was well attended with 270 runners taking part. 

The U9s race saw Clara Mckee winning it comfortably outright, beating all the boys again. Young Harry Cliffe got yet another trophy for his 2nd boy position. Ted Parker and Leo Hackett both came in the top 10 boys with Lennon Wilson and George Brice coming in the top 20 boys. 

Thomas Mckee had run the day before in the English national x-country finals and yet still managed an impressive 5th in this U11s race, followed by Sam Annison at 15th and Ollie Pickens at 31st boy. 

The U13 race saw Patrick Casey cruise to a comfortable 4th followed by Charlie Pickens at 11th boy. George McFie and Tom Owen came in at 19th and 24th boy respectively and Alfie Hackett at 50th.  Yet another good run by Fearne Hanson securing 19th girl.

The U15s race saw Will Hall come in at 6th, James Duffy at 12th boy, Elljah Peers-Webb at 27th boy and Maya Brunt at 22nd girl.

The next race in the English champs is the slightly more local Blacko fell race on 14 April.