Fell runners tested out the new route at the On The Brink Skyline race, an adapted version of the traditional Shepherd’s Skyline race, which this year moved from the Shepherd’s Rest to the Top Brink in Lumbutts.

Although covering similar ground above Todmorden, taking in Stoodley Pike, Langfield Common and Gaddings Dam, the new start location resulted in a slightly longer course of 12.5k with 460m of ascent.

Nine Calder Valley Fell Runners were among the starters who lined up to test this new route, some of them perhaps mindful of the chance to set its inaugural course record.

Young guns Max Wharton and Tom McKee led the field, and it was Wharton who was first over the line in a time of 51:49, with McKee following in second place, and first MU23, with 53:54.

Max Wharton on his way to victory at On The Brink. Pic: Chris Holdsworth

placeholder image — Max Wharton on his way to victory at On The Brink. Pic: Chris Holdsworth

Also putting in strong runs were Max’s sister Issy Wharton, who finished third in the women’s race, and David Burnip, who placed ninth overall.

There were successes in the veterans’ categories too for Alex Whittem (first M45), Stephen Smithies (first M55) and Stephen Morran (second M70).

Elsewhere, Dunnerdale is a classic short race round the tiny but rugged fells between the Lickle and Duddon valleys of South Lakeland. The scenery is superb, the course is tough and varied and there’s a very nice pub at the finish.

Valley’s Karl Gray completed the five miles with 1,800 feet of ascent in a rapid time of 47:08, earning first M50 honours. Also representing the club was Stuart Russell, who finished in 1:11:48.

Issy Wharton was third placed woman at On the Brink. Pic: Chris Holdsworth

Meanwhile, Francis Wooff was the club’s sole representative at this year’s Soyland Moor race, completing the 13.5 miles with 1,300 feet of ascent in 2:31:26.

The latest in EPOC’s popular series of local score events took place from the Stubbing Wharf pub in Hebden Bridge.

The 90-minute course, planned by EPOC and Calder Valley member Graham Lloyd, consisted of 16 controls spread across Colden Clough, Jumble Hole Clough and Beaumont Clough. This arrangement offered some interesting route choice conundrums about which cloughs to prioritise and how to connect them.

The Calder Valley club was represented, combining local knowledge, sharp navigational wits and strong running legs to notch up some impressive results.

Valley runners enjoy post-Score refreshments. Pic: Jonathan Emberton

Alice James excelled in what was her first-ever orienteering event, collecting 250 points to finish as the first-placed woman. Tamsin Cooke, with 160 points, was the second solo female, while Toni Bradley and Helen Curtis (another first-timer) teamed up to score 180.

In the open competition, Joey Scarf was one of three runners to achieve a perfect score of 300, clearing the course with just over two minutes to spare.

Mark O’Connor also found all the controls but suffered a 15-point penalty for getting back three minutes late, pushing him into fifth place.