Rescuers stretcher the injured competitor to the waiting air ambulance. Photo: Derby MRT

A competitor in a challenge event was airlifted to hospital after breaking his leg.

The 41-year-old was taking part in the Four Inns race on Saturday when he fell on the descent from Westend Moss on the southern flanks of Black Hill.

The man’s team members raised the alarm and Derby Mountain Rescue Team, which was providing safety cover for the event, went to the site and requested the help of an air ambulance.

The North West Air Ambulance flew to the scene and airlifted the walker to the Royal Oldham Hospital for further treatment.

The Four Inns challenge has been held for 61 years and involves teams of three or four tackling a 65km (40-mile route) from Holmbridge in West Yorkshire to Buxton in Derbyshire.

It takes its name from the four pubs it passes: the Snake Pass Inn, the Old Nag’s Head and the Cat and Fiddle, plus the ruins of the former Isle of Skye Inn at Wessenden Head.