TWO female competitors preparing to take part in the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon sustained severe burns when their tent went up in flames.

Twins Margaret Huyton and Mary White, who celebrated their 55th birthdays last week, were both badly injured when a gas cylinder exploded in their tent as breakfast was being prepared prior to the event that started from Park Foot Camping and Caravan site near Ullswater early on Saturday.

It is believed Mrs Huyton, a doctor, was in the tent and sustained burns to her face, right hand and leg while her sister rushed to her aid and suffered burns to her hands and arms.

Mrs Huyton was taken by air ambulance to the burns unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. Mrs White was taken by ambulance to Carlisle and was later transferred to RVI.

There was further drama when a 39-year-old male competitor from Nottingham was airlifted from near Hayeswater Gill, Hartsop, after suffering from chest pains. He was treated on the fell by members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.

Competitors battled against strong winds and rain on the eastern Lake District fells and faced a long first day prior to the overnight camp at Wetsleddale, near Shap. Competitors have to carry all their kit including a stove and tent for an overnight stay.

The elite event was won for a third time by Steve Birkinshaw and Morgan Donnelly in 12-26-51 with Borrowdale's Andrew Davies and Andy Schofield finishing exactly eight minutes behind. Defending champions Mark Seddon and John Hunt (13-06-53) were fifth with Caton's Quentin Harding (13-13-28) and his Bowland teammate Sean Bolland sixth.

In the shorter class A event Settle's John Murfin and Alex Pilkington placed fourth in 12-56-10 with the event being won by Simon Richardson and Alan Billington (12-14-41).

Milnthorpe's Wendy Dodds and Helm Hill's Nicky Lavery were the first female vets, crossing the line after 16 hours and 44 minutes.

"Day one was long and hard and we were both disappointed to be an hour down on Sarah Rowell and Susan Dolan," said Wendy. "On day two we made a navigational error heading north from High Street in an area we both know well." Rowell and Dolan were the first womens' team and 23rd overall in 15-29-27.

n THE English and British championship races for 2006 are: English: Short: Carding Mill Canter (March 4) and Thieveley Pike (Sept 23); Medium: Anniversary Waltz (April 22) and Lordstone Wainstone (May 21); Long: Ennerdale (June 10) and Sedbergh (August 20).

British: Short: Slieve Bearnargh, Ireland (April 1); Creag Dhubh, Scotland (August 5); Medium: Anniversary Waltz and Dollar, Scotland (July 1); Long: Sedbergh and Peris Horseshoe, Wales (Sept 16).