The Lantern Pike Dash starts at the pub, with a leap over the river, then a near vertical climb up Lantern Pike and back down again! At just over a mile with 656ft of climb – it’s a short, sharp, tough race certainly not for the faint hearted! Buxton’s junior ladies Lucy Bednall and Lucy Whelan showing how it’s done with wins in the senior and junior races.

Taking on the senior race, the Buxton Juniors gave the adults a real run for their money. Sam Soles stormed to second place only beaten by the fell legend that is Simon Bailey – course record holder for this race. Sam took the prize for first under 17 boy and first local runner. First lady was Buxton Junior Lucy Bednall who was an impressive 10th overall – 1st under 17 girl. Caleb Winfield had a great run to come in 11th overall and 1st under 15 boy, with team mate Amy Whelan finishing 20th – 3rd lady and first junior female under 15. Heather Wilshaw was having a great run until she twisted her ankle on the steep descent. It is testament to the comradery of fell runners that 2 other runners supported Heather down the hill to ensure she could finish in 54th place – 57 ran.

The junior race was over a shorter but none the less tough course. Of the 34 runners taking part 13 were from Buxton AC juniors. Lucy Whelan led the team home to come first girl (7th overall 1st U13) with Monica Barnes hot on her heels in 2nd place (8th overall -2nd U13). Molly Golden had a great run, finishing 13th overall 2nd U11 girl with team mate Rachel Cudahy (17th) 3rd U11 girl. Stanley Cook ran strongly to finish 14th overall – 2nd U9 boy, with team mates Jimmy Golden and Milo Barnes – 6th and 8th U9 boys respectively. Evie Willis was an impressive 3rd U9 girl, chased in by Hannah Cudahy 4th, Georgia Cudahy 5th and making their debut for the club – Lily and Esme Brunnock in 7th and 8th U9 girls.

Sam Soles also had an outstanding run on Friday evening at the May Queen Fell race.  He took first place overall with team mate Stuart Diamond coming in 7th.  Buxton junior Jake O’Donnell was also in impressive form finishing 15th overall (1st Under 13) with Caleb Winfield 20th.  Amy Whelan, who is in impressive form this season, was first junior female and 3rd lady, having finished 35th overall.  122 ran.