PICKERING Running Club’s race league got off to a flying start on one of the five-kilometre Sewerby park runs.

The scenic course starts outside the stately home and heads along the coast through the grounds before emerging at the finish.

League organiser Mike Wilson set a brisk pace to finish first PRC member in a solid time of 21 minutes 55 seconds.

Michael Hetherton (22-28) employed his pacing strategy and put in a strong finish.

Bagging the first lady title, despite a shoelace malfunction, was Lynn Humpleby (22-46).

Club chairman Steve Hampshire (24-15) put in a fine effort, followed by Tess Roebuck (24-30) - both on park run debuts.

Others were Serena Partridge (25-26), Sally Brown (28-17), who put in a great effort, Sadie Patterson (30-21), Jake Hampshire (30-21), Marion Bets (31-54) adding to her target of running 874 miles in 2015 – the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Meanwhile, braving biting winds and freezing temperatures, Bob Horsman and Simon Ridley tackled the Three Sisters night race.

The tough six-miler from the Lord Stones Café near Chop Gate took in Cringle Moor, Cold Moor, Wainstones and Clay Bank, all in the pitch black with only head-torches helping them to navigate the rough terrain.

Despite the lack of warm gear, Horsman put in an exceptional performance to finish fifth in 77-32. Ridley also did well to clock 80-26 for eighth overall – a great start to his training for Hardmoors 110.