PETER Harrison stormed away from the field to win the 130th Wilson Run at his second attempt as last year’s girls race winner Mel Hyder set another course record.

Scotland international runner Harrison turned the tables on his close rival Sam Fisher as a 1-2 reverse was recorded in the traditional race, which started back in 1881.

Harrison took the 2011 title in 1.11.24, some five minutes clear of Fisher (1.16.34), who was running despite a nasty back injury, while James Brock was third in 1.17.08.

For the first time in several years the Wilson Run returned to its ‘old’ course which starts from Lupton House, and heads out to Cautley Spout, with two sections of the run aptly termed ‘Muddy Slide’ and ‘Desperation Ditch’, before finishing on Loftus Hill.

Harrison was delighted to claim the win, having been narrowly pipped in 2010 by Fisher. He said: “It is absolutely brilliant. Last year I was so disappointed coming over the line and said it would be next year. I gave it everything from the start to get a gap and I was in so much pain going across the fell but I was just thinking about getting across the finish line in first place.

“This year is a landmark year so it makes it a bit more special.”

In the girls’ race Mel Hyder, who also runs for Helm Hill, took three minutes off her own record as she finished the 10 mile 385 yard course in 1.24.07, a staggering 24 minutes clear of second placed Katie May (1.48.19) Poppy Hilton was third, just two seconds behind Katy in 1.48.21.

After breaking her record, Hyder said: “I felt great but it was very tiring. I didn’t think I was breaking any records on the way round and I was a bit anxious but I felt good and it was much better than last year. “The course was better and there were better conditions for breaking records though so I think lots of people will have improved on last year.”

118 students qualified for this year’s Wilson Run, which race director Jim Fisher said had been very exciting in the 130th year.

He added: “It is as good a race as any and one of the great school runs. I am not sure if there is another run that really compares with it.

“This is one of the biggest runs and I think the pupils all believe they will take on this challenge at some time in their sixth form.”

Charles ‘Chuck’ Sykes’ record of 1.08.04 still stands after 18 years with no one being able to break the 1.08.00 barrier yet.

Returning for this year’s race he said: “It is great to have the girls on board now too. It is nice the school has adapted and its good the whole town and school comes out and enjoys it, and it is still a proper day in the calendar of the school.”

Headmaster Andrew Fleck added: "This was a vintage year for the Wilson Run with a new girls’ course record and a fast winning time as well as a large and strong field. "For many it is a life-changing event when they learn just how far they can push themselves mentally and physically. All those who ran deserve our greatest respect and congratulations.”

Top six: 1 P Harrison 1.11.24, 2 S Fisher 1.16.34, 3 J Brock 1.17.08, 4 A Rose 1.17.34, 5 A Roach 1.18.09, 6 C Mason 1.19.21.