Whernside yesterday, scene of the Fellsman rescue

Rescuers went to the aid of injured runners in two separate long-distance events.

The Cave Rescue Organisation was called to help a competitor in the Three Peaks Race about 11.05am yesterday, Saturday.

The 46-year-old man injured his ankle coming down Pen-y-ghent.

A spokesperson said: “A small CRO team located him near Hunt Pot and assisted him down to a team vehicle for transport off the hill.”

Shortly before 12.20pm, the Clapham-based team was again in action to help a participant in the Fellsman, the 97km (60-mile) challenge, after he injured his ankle high on the summit ridge of Whernside, Yorkshire’s highest peak.

CRO volunteers went to the aid of the 44-year-old man, and he was treated by a paramedic before being helped to an air ambulance which airlifted him from the hill.

He was then taken to hospital for further treatment.

Another Fellsman competitor was rescued on Sunday morning.

Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association was alerted by police at 6.20am after a 57-year-old man was reported to be suffering wind blindness at Capplestone Gate, the penultimate checkpoint in the event.

The runner was picked up by the rescue team from the site below Great Whernside and taken back to Threshfield.