The 3.5 mile dash up to the Pike and back is one of the oldest established fell races in the Upper Calder Valley and this year 215 entrants took part, a record for recent times.

The size of the field was matched by its quality, with a smattering of past national champions and internationals rubbing shoulders with the best of the locals.

The race starts with a steady climb up onto the moor on ancient causey stones and then traverses along the skyline towards the highest point of the route.

Even before the top of this climb, Danny Hope and Gary Devine of Pudsey and Bramley and Todmorden's Chris Smale had made their intentions clear and had opened up a gap over the chasing field.

On the rough descent back to the village the order was unchanged, Danny Hope stayed strong enough to take the honours in 18.55, just 18 seconds ahead of second placed Devine, who in turn was 15 seconds in front of Smale. James Logue of Horwich RMI taking fourth after a characteristically fast descent.

In the ladies race, Anne Johnson of Calder Valley showed her class by winning in a time of 24.20, with Todmorden's Ali Richards her closest challenger in 24.53.

First junior runner home was Todmorden's emerging star, Sean Carey, who finished a remarkable 9th overall, in 20.50.

Todmorden also had success amongst the Veteran 50s with Dave Collins first man and Jane Leonard first lady in the category, whilst Skyrac's Graham Breeze took the Veteran 60 prize.

After the race, organiser Rachel Skinner thanked the runners for making the event such a success, The Top Brink for their hospitality, and the Langfield Commoners for their support in making the race possible.

In recent years' the Harriers have given all the proceeds of this race to local charities.

This year Calderdale Child Development Unit were the beneficiaries, with almost £600 being donated.