Last updated 15:14, Tuesday, 28 October 2008

FLOODING failed to stop runners in their tracks yesterday as a record was broken in a demanding school fell race.

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The runners cross the river, swollen by the recent rain in the John Ruskin School fell race 2008. 24rd OCT 2008

By David Pickthall

Year 11 and Brantwood pupil Nathan Atkinson won the 46th annual John Ruskin School fell race in 17mins 30secs – a full two seconds quicker than the previous best time.

Pupils from each year group ran for their house pride up and down a 2.5-mile route swamped with water.

The course led runners up Mouldray Bank and straight back down over a river crossing.

For the second incline pupils scaled up the Scrow and ran across the hill’s summit, before descending and following a route over the miner’s bridge and down the copper mine track to the finish.

Paige Birkett of Thurston house was first home in the girl’s race in about 22 minutes.

School head of PE Ian Rose said: “The race going ahead was a real bonus because when I came in this morning I fully expected to call it off.

“Everyone took part and even the children who were unable to run helped out and cheered along their classmates.

“Children from Hawkshead and Coniston primary schools, who are part of out school sports partnership, also had a go to get an insight into the race and to prepare them for the course when they come here.”