THE first Commondale Beacon race proved popular with Pickering Running Club, being their penultimate league event of the year.

With 375 metres of ascent, the 14-kilometre course is among the flatter, faster fell races of the winter season.

It was not easy going, however, with torrential rain during the week causing muddy and slippery conditions. Competitors faced a stream crossing, moorland single track and some exhilarating descents.

Leading the Pickering team home was Bob Horsman, who, after suffering a knee problem, has been gaining form in preparation for his first ultra race.

He finished in 63 minutes 52 seconds, and was closely followed by Paul Smith in 64-56 – his new enthusiasm for fell racing paying dividends.

The consistent Nick Cousins came home in 66-00, followed by Peter Winter 23 seconds later to complete the men’s ‘A’ team.

Russ Grayson (66-42) and Richard Todd (66-43) finished a second apart, while Mike Wilson (68-15) did well after several months of no competition.

Others: Simon Ridley (68-46), Mike Hetherton (70-37), Ian Farrer (73-18), Steve Hampshire (78-05), Andy Harvey (79-00).

Despite a dunking in the stream, Lorraine Laycock (70-44), led the Pickering ladies’ team home a week after her victory in the Wensleydale Wedge.

Taking second in category, Tess Roebuck clocked 77-02, while Shirley Tyrell, following her success at the last fell race, completed the ladies ‘A’ team for third in category in 85-47, tailed by ever-improving Serena Partridge (86-36).

In her first fell race for a while, Rebecca Bruce (96-47) pushed to the finish, while Marion Bets (110-00) was delighted with her placing and Sally Brown (116-00) was second in category.

Others: Hilary Turner (both 116-00), Lisa Heselwood and Ailish Lilley (both 118-00).