Reigning champion Rob Hope has opened his defence of the British Fell Championship in the best possible way.
The local government planning officer from Wheelton has won the Irish leg in the Mourne Mountains, squeezing home just five seconds ahead of Jethro Lennox from Shettleston Harriers. Hope clocked 2:10:00 for the 12.5 miles which included around 5,000 feet of ascent.
Wendy Dodds of Clayton Harriers was the leading over 50 woman, but with no Championship at stake in her age group she lies fifth in the over 40 standings.
There is a title for the over 60 men though, and Ken Taylor from Rossendale is second having recorded an identical time of 2:50:00 to winner and home favourite Jim Patterson of Mourne Runners.
Clayton Harriers veteran men were fourth over 40 team with Garry Wilkinson, Tim Edward, Paul Shackleton and Colin Shuttleworth the counters.
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