FORTY three athletes turned out on New Year's Day to compete in the annual Nine Standards Fell Race from Kirkby Stephen.

Despite some icy patches, conditions on the course were generally good and very much to the liking of Skipton AC's Chris Waters.

The 17-year-old was fifth at the summit but after a storming descent won the race by five seconds from Ambleside's Brian Clough who was first vet 40 home.

Kendal AC's Mike Walsh was fourth and first vet 50 just 28 seconds behind the race winner.

Some good packing by Graham Moffat, Stephen Moffat, who was first local, and Fraser Livesey secured Howgill the team prize.

Teesdale AC's Denise Tunstall won the ladies race in a time of 1-17-55 closely followed by Keswick's Debbie Thompson who was first lady vet 40 in 1-18-06.

RESULTS: 1 C Waters, Skipton, 1-00-54; 2 B Clough, Ambleside, 1-00-59; 3 S Webb, Valley Striders, 1-01-17; 4 M Walsh, Kendal, 1-01-22; 5 G Moffat, Howgill, 1-01-28; 6 S Moffat, Howgill, 1-03-44; 7 F Livesey, Howgill, 1-05-28; 8 J Chambers, unattached, 1-05-41; 9 R Unwin, CFR, 1-06-14; 10 C Lumb, Kendal, 1-06-22; 11 Peter Brittleton, Howgill, 1-07-12; 12 S Bennett, Eden Runners, 1-07-38; 13 S Horsley, Howgill, 1-07-48; 15 J Tunstall, Howgill, 1-08-57; 16 R Gillespie, Eden Runners, 1-11-14; 17 J Fisher, Howgill, 1-11-46; 20 D Spence, Eden Runners, 1-14-04; 21 P Dowker, Kendal.

1-15-00; 25 G Currie, Howgill, 1-17-11; 29 M Moss, Howgill, 1-18-45; 30 S Lloyds, Eden Runners, 1-19-50; 32 J Faulkener, Eden Runners, 1-21-19.

The 2001 Lowe Alpine Marathon is to take place over the weekend June 16/17 about two-and-a-half hours drive north of Glasgow/Edinburgh it has been announced this week.

Details can be found on www.lamm.co.uk.