Stainland Lions’ runners overcame the mud to chalk-up age-category podium successes in the third race of the West Yorkshire Winter League, in Pudsey.

The five miles of proper off-road racing was tackled by a strong pack of 35 Lions who came home with some impressive results and age-category honours.

Leading the pride was Gavin Mulholland, who powered his way to fifth place overall and first MV50, stopping the clock at a rapid 30:27. Not far behind was Margaret Beever, who ran a superb race to claim third lady overall and first FV45 in 36:35.

The age-group success didn’t stop there; Lorraine Naylor battled the mud to take first FV55, John Bassinger showed how it’s done with first MV70 and Helen Armitage rounded things off with a well-earned third place in the FV60 ranks.

Stainland Lions' contingent celebrated success in Pudsey.

placeholder image — Stainland Lions' contingent celebrated success in Pudsey.

Across the field, the Lions dug deep, raced hard, and supported each other all the way to the finish, making it another memorable Winter League outing.

Lions Results: Gavin Mulholland 30:27, Margaret Beever 36:35, Craig Miller 37:22, Bill Johnson 37:45, James Adey 38:26, Daniel Sykes 39:14, Jim Harris 39:37, Mark Pigford 40:38, Lorraine Naylor 41:19, Andrew Earnshaw 41:22, Martin Wood 41:33, Mark Wearmouth 42:29, Danielle Hirst 43:32, Ben Golding-Smith 44:39, Ray Mooney 44:47, Clare Smith 44:58, Helen Armitage 45:20, Naomi Edwards 46:11, Helen Hudson 46:49, Martin O’Brien 47:05, Ian Hoskins 47:15, Ian Johnson 47:34, Michelle Rogerson 47:56, John Bassinder 48:07, Steve Crowther 48:49, Robert Saunders 49:32, Dom Ranson 50:29, Liz Norman 50:31, Sandy Gee 53:07, Paula Pickersgill 55:40, Sue Cash 56:19, Sally Whitwam 57:12, Adam Morton 57:28, Steve Boyer 1:00:19, Paul Armitage 1:01:16.

Meanwhile, four adventurous Lions headed to Denby Dale for the Travellers 6, a scenic but demanding rural route starting from the famous Pie Hall.

Described by organisers as ‘undulating’, it may not be a course for personal bests, but it certainly delivers on character and challenge.

Lions' quartet got into the festive spirit at the Travellers 6.

Sally Caton led the Lions home in fine style, finishing second FV50 in 51:10. She was followed by David Waite, who crossed the line in 58:54, with Heather Anderson and Diane Waite finishing together in a perfectly timed 1:04:42.