STRONG winds and bright sunshine greeted runners for the annual Clay Bank West fell race near Stokesley - with Russ Grayson leading home the contingent from Pickering Running Club.

The four-mile grade ‘A’ competition attracted a team of eight Pickering runners keen to tackle the mud, climbs and fast descents of the Cleveland Way.

The out-and-back route heads two miles along a rough forest track in Broughton plantation before heading back over Cold Moor and the Wainstones to the finish.

This year, the race, which takes in more than 1,000 feet of ascent, attracted a number of first-time fell runners and a record number of female competitors.

On-form Grayson, who used his descending skills to make a strong finish in 37 minutes 50 seconds, claimed 14th position overall.

Not far behind were club-mates Mike Wilson and Paul Smith, with Wilson, pictured battling the hills at the top of Wainstones, using his experience and gate-hopping skills to edge away from his age-category competitor, the pair finishing in 42-26 and 42-28 respectively.

Putting in a spirited run, Ian Farrer clocked an impressive 45-58, keeping out of sight of Mike Hetherton (46-39) and Lynn Humpleby (46-40).

Off-road enthusiast Serena Partridge clocked 53-07 and James Lilley 55-56 in an impressive fell debut. Ailish Lilley dug deep to finish in 68-20.

The previous week, off-road duo Hetherton and Humpleby travelled to West Yorkshire for the 23rd Withins Skyline fell race near Haworth.

Runners were bathed in autumnal sunshine for the seven-miler, which starts in Penistone Hill Quarry, near the village made famous by the Bronte family.

The route takes in nearly 1,000 feet of ascent with good trail running and a trudge across the boggy moors before descending to the well-trodden tourist path passing Bronte falls and Top Within.

Playing his usual game of cat and mouse, Hetherton made a hesitant start before closing in on Humpleby on the home straight.

Humpleby held off her rival finishing in 65-14 with Hetherton the next runner home in 65-18.

Humpleby said: “It was great to take part in a race away from the familiar home turf.

“The standard was extremely high with six-time English fells champion Simon Bailey taking first place. Despite the level of competition it was a very friendly race with the added bonus of plenty of mud and tourists to dodge.”