A DALE athlete has secured second place in a national fell running competition in only his second season.
With just two races of the British Open Fell Racers Association (Bofra) championship to go, the Barnard Castle runner cannot be caught for the runners-up spot after winning the Muker Show race last week.
The Bofra title will go to eight times champion Simon Bailey, who has won every race he has entered this season. Bofra stages 16 races between May and October, with runners’ eight best results scoring towards the championship.
Charlie has won two races – Kirkby Gala along with Muker – and has six second place finishes to count, which puts him well ahead of Tom Millard, currently third in the Bofra series.
Charlie’s dad Paul said it was an excellent effort for his son.
“There is still a way to go in Charlie’s development within the sport, but this is a massive achievement in only his second year.”
Charlie finished fifth in his debut campaign last year.
“The pressure is off, so he has said he will target a few events and compete with his club Calder Valley Fell Runners until he attempts to retain his Kendal Winter League title in early 2020,” added Mr Ing.
