Runners make the ascent to Pen-y-ghent in last year's race

Up to 900 runners will take to the Yorkshire Dales hills this weekend for the 55th Three Peaks Race.

After last year’s hosting of the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge and its attendant cosmopolitan flavour, 2009’s race returns to its traditional roots with a predominantly home field tackling the 38km (24-mile) route.

Walkers wanting a peaceful stroll around Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough might be advised to avoid this Saturday, as the full paraphernalia of corralling and keeping safe hundreds of fellrunners takes over the area.

Last year’s winner Jethro Lennox is missing from the starters, as is fellow Scot Angela Mudge, second woman back in 2008.

Rob Jebb wins the 2007 Three Peaks Race

Three-times winner Rob Jebb is, however, on the start-list. The Staveley, Cumbria-based Bingley Harrier was fourth last year and must be in with a good chance, with 2008 second-place Thomas Owens also absent, as is veteran stalwart and fellow Bingley member Ian Holmes.

Blustery conditions are likely and there is a chance of rain later as a cold front moves up from the South through Saturday, though the felltops and moors are currently very dry underfoot which could help a fast time, as runners chase the sub-three hour norm for the Three Peaks winner.

Last year, 685 of the 759 starters got to the finish line in Horton in Ribblesdale, 21 of them in less than the elite-rated 3hrs 10mins. First woman back was Anna Pichrtova of the Czech Republic, setting a women’s record of 3hrs 14mins 43sec. Last finisher in 2008 was Skyrac runner Stephen Batley with a time of 5hrs 41mins 65sec.

There is plenty of scope for spectating along the route. The race starts at 10am on Saturday, 25 April from the playing fields in Horton in Ribblesdale.