Alex and Max are third and fourth at Ilkley

Whittem clocked 39 minutes 51 seconds in chasing home useful pair Tom Adams from the host club (36:41) and Simon Bailey from Mercia Fell Runners (37:27) .

Max Wharton finished 55 seconds behind Whittem in fourth, the Calder Valley teenager being the first under 23 runner.

Max’s dad Mark was 29th in 46:59 and his sister Issy had a storming run to finish 111th in 55:01, being the first under 23 female runner home.

Two other Valley runners took part - Lee Shimwell in 40th (47 :05) and Philip Jones in 195th (67.18).

Todmorden Harriers were also represented in the 25th running of the event, which attracted 231 runners in the senior race.

Lucy Burnett was 87th in 52.55 while no finishing position was recorded for Jane Leonard, who clocked 62.34.

The 8km race is over a very difficult course with brutal climbs and long, fast descents.

It is regarded as one the best medium-length routes in the region, starting on a good track adjacent to houses in Wells Road and rising steadily to pass the tarn.

Backstone Beck, the famous rock of the Cow and Calf, the Pancake Stone, Barmishaw Hole, Badger Stone, Weary Hill and Spicey Gill are other features before a final giddy plunge down to the finish.