TEACHER Nick Sharp (Ambleside AC), from Arnside, led home the Lakeland contingent in the 'Tiso' Carnethy '5' Hill Race in Scotland on Saturday, one of the first major challenges of the 2005 campaign.

Racing in bitterly cold winds and boggy conditions over the traditionally flagged farmland route, Sharp was fifth in 53-06 - 56 seconds behind winner Edinburgh University's Murray Strain as Scots dominated the leading placings.

Mark Roberts, who lives in Kendal, was ninth in 53-26 with Billy Procter (Helm Hill) having a storming run to be 12th in 54-55.

Steve Hicks (Borrowdale), from Orrest Head, was competing in a remarkable 21st consecutive Carnethy and came 84th in 63-22.

Mark's partner Roberts' wife, Louise, (Keswick AC) was second lady to Jill Mykura (Carnethy) and 78th overall in 63-02.

Other South Lakes finishers included: 26 P. Dugdale (Kendal) 57-29; 39 Peter Brittleton (Helm Hill 59-44); 46 M. Reedy (Ambleside)

60-45; 62 M. Beresford (Kendal)

62-01; 80 C. Speight (Ambleside) 63-10; 113 D. Owen (Ambleside)

65-16; 145 & 6th woman Hazel Jones (Dallam) 67-08; 173 Jane Leather & 7th woman (Ambleside) 68-57; 178 M. Meadowcroft (Dallam) 69-20; 194 P. Simpson (Kendal)

70-59. 452 finished.