Running club Black Combe Runners' (BCR) winter league season is well underway, with club captain Matthew Allen 'very pleased' at this years' participation.

The annual club winter league takes place across South Cumbria between New Year's Day and the end of February.

With just three races out of seven to go, John Shevelan is leading for the men, whilst Kath Donnelly is in pole position for the ladies.

Shevelan posted the best time among the 18 participants in the latest event, last weekend, - the five-mile trail/fell run at Blawith, between Coniston and Ulverston.

The route includes an ascent of Beacon Fell, covers Torver Common, as well as a circuit of Beacon Tarn.

This Sunday (January 29), is the Birkrigg Kendal Winter Training League series race, organised by Helm Hill Runners. 

Starting on Mountbarrow Road, Ulverston, this scenic five-mile mixed terrain race covers the common itself with superb views of the Leven Estuary and Lancashire Coast in the distance.

The last three BCR winter training league races are the Birkrigg/Sea Wood two-lap, six-mile multi-terrain event on January 28, from the Urswick crossroads outside Ulverston.

READ MORE: Running club celebrates return of cherished road races after three year hiatus

Devoke Water 'Lumps and Bumps' five-mile run takes place on Saturday, February 18, and the Black Combe 4.5 mile, 1900 feet ascent, straight up and down fell run from Whicham Church (Silecroft), happens on Saturday, February 25.

All these races, which are handicapped, start at 10.30 am. 

These events are open to all runners, regardless of ability, and non-BCR are invited to participate for free.

BCR members will be taking part in this Sunday's Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) 'That's Lyth' 23-mile walk or run event over a mostly trail route, starting and finishing in Kendal.

The trail visits Scout Scar and Witherslack along its route, and has a total ascent of 3200ft.

This is a well-known long winter run for those aiming to do a spring marathon.

The LDWA website will have pictures and results of all finishers, including times of BCR members, available on Sunday night. 

For more on the club, including social runs, the blog and details on the clubs' fell champs counter races for 2023, visit www.bcrunners.org.uk.