FORTY three athletes turned out on NewYear's Day to compete in the annual Nine Standards Fell Race from KirkbyStephen.

Despite some icy patches, conditions on the coursewere generally good and very much to the liking of Skipton AC's ChrisWaters.

The 17-year-old was fifth at the summit but after astorming descent won the race by five seconds from Ambleside's BrianClough who was first vet 40 home.

Kendal AC's Mike Walsh wasfourth and first vet 50 just 28 seconds behind the racewinner.

Some good packing by Graham Moffat, Stephen Moffat,who was first local, and Fraser Livesey secured Howgill the teamprize.

Teesdale AC's Denise Tunstall won the ladies race in atime of 1-17-55 closely followed by Keswick's Debbie Thompson who wasfirst lady vet 40 in 1-18-06.

RESULTS: 1 C Waters, Skipton,1-00-54; 2 B Clough, Ambleside, 1-00-59; 3 S Webb, Valley Striders,1-01-17; 4 M Walsh, Kendal, 1-01-22; 5 G Moffat, Howgill, 1-01-28; 6 SMoffat, Howgill, 1-03-44; 7 F Livesey, Howgill, 1-05-28; 8 J Chambers,unattached, 1-05-41; 9 R Unwin, CFR, 1-06-14; 10 C Lumb, Kendal, 1-06-22;11 Peter Brittleton, Howgill, 1-07-12; 12 S Bennett, Eden Runners,1-07-38; 13 S Horsley, Howgill, 1-07-48; 15 J Tunstall, Howgill, 1-08-57;16 R Gillespie, Eden Runners, 1-11-14; 17 J Fisher, Howgill, 1-11-46; 20 DSpence, Eden Runners, 1-14-04; 21 P Dowker, Kendal.

1-15-00;25 G Currie, Howgill, 1-17-11; 29 M Moss, Howgill, 1-18-45; 30 S Lloyds,Eden Runners, 1-19-50; 32 J Faulkener, Eden Runners,1-21-19.

The 2001 Lowe Alpine Marathon is to take place overthe weekend June 16/17 about two-and-a-half hours drive north ofGlasgow/Edinburgh it has been announced this week.

Details canbe found on www.lamm.co.uk.