Ulverston Paul Jarvis memorial race returns for another lap

Hoad Hill Harriers once again hosted the Paul Jarvis Mile Race on Thursday, May 2 to pay tribute to their former member.

This year's event introduced two new innovations, making the race even more of a spectacle.

The club decided to make the main race an England Athletics-permitted race for club runners to capture a 'treasured' Power of Ten national ranking for their finishing time.

For the first time, the race went towards participants' national rankings (Image: Keith Herbert)

The evening of racing also saw the debut of a one-mile fun run, as well as a four-by-one-mile relay.

The organisers said: "The Mile race was well attended with clubs from all over south west Cumbria.

"Race conditions were good despite a headwind on the home straight, and host club Hoad Hill Harriers had the most participants with Leven Valley, Walney Windcheaters also well represented."

Luke Turner, of Hoad Hill, outsprinted his challengers to claim first only seven seconds ahead of Richard Wilson, from Kendal, with Jack Smith representing Mickey Morris in third.

In the women's race, Penelope Boyle, of Leven Valley, ran hard to capture first place from Sarah Jones, who outpaced fellow Walney Windcheaters member Amy Singleton in third.

In the fun run, there was a strong showing from Walney Windcheaters, Leven Valley and Furness Fell Runners.

Victor Nicholson, of Leven Valley, just crossed the winning tape a mere second ahead of club mate Imogen Moore, with Paul Mann third.

The race sees both men and women competing for glory (Image: Keith Herbert)

The organisers described how the 'noisiest' race was the relay, with the new event attracting 18 teams.

These were comprised of two male and two female runners, running in whichever order they chose.

With no batons dropped at the changeovers, it was the 'Dudes’ that clinched the top podium spot ahead of ‘No name no name’.

The organisers added: "Overall, it was a tremendous evening of top-class running and thanks are extended to the race sub-committee and all the volunteer marshals and timekeepers."