PICKERING Running Club veteran Mike Hetherton swapped his running shoes for skis this week as he made his annual trip to Switzerland for the epic Inferno Ski Race.

Held for the first time in 1928, the competition is the oldest ski race in the world, and takes its name from both its terrifying nature and the ceremonial burning of the devil the evening before the event.

Just 20 skiers took part in the inaugural race, but that number has now swelled dramatically, with over 1,800 competitors lining up at the start line, nestled at the bottom of a 75-degree run underneath the Schilthorn.

Mike, now in his late 70s, is known for completing the race in his trademark shirt and tie, and was delighted to make it through his ninth Inferno unscathed.

He was even more pleased to have achieved a personal best across the 9km course, a very credible 18 minutes and 31 seconds, which saw him shave over three minutes from last year's time.

His daughter, Jemima Edwards, also a member of Pickering Running Club, had a fantastic run, finishing the event in 12 minutes and 34 seconds.