MORE than 20 runners from Pickering Running Club made the most of the unusually good weather by taking part in local races.

The inaugural Cod Beck Canter Fell Race was the latest counter in the Winter Fell Race Series. 

The 10-mile route, based in Osmotherley, is an amalgamation of two previous runs, The Ozzy Oiks and The Whorlton Run.

With more than 2,000ft of elevation there were some tough climbs, but the glorious views across to Roseberry Topping helped to distract the 159 runners from the pain.

First back for Pickering was Peter Allen in one hour and 21 minutes. 

Next came Simon Rycroft in one hour and 23 minutes, earning him a prize for second in the M50 category, missing out on the first prize by only 15 seconds. 

Mike Richmond was third in the M45 category in one hour and 24 minutes, while Paul Woolhouse cruised across the line in one hour and 27 minutes.

Kelly Gaughan was first female back in one hour and 35 minutes followed by Kim Cavill in one hour and 36 minutes, placing her third in the F40 category. 

Returning to form, Russ Grayson wasn’t far behind in one hour and 37 minutes, with Andy Harvey finishing in one hour and 41 minutes, and Rich Johnson hot on his heels in one hour and 42 minutes. 

Kirsty Brown was next in one hour and 51 minutes, followed by Rachael Morley in one hour and 52 minutes and Debbie Rycroft in one hour and 59 minutes, placing her third in the F50 category.

These brilliant performances placed the men’s team in second and the ladies’ team third.

The Hardmoors Saltburn races took place on the same day with four members competing in the half marathon option, a 15-mile route along cliff tops and sea shores before heading inland. 

Simon Jones was on good form, finishing in two hours and three minutes, placing him fourth overall and earning him a trophy for first in the M50 category. 

Simon was also presented with the trophy for second overall in last year’s half marathon series.

Bridget Houlston put in a great performance, crossing the line in two hours and 21 minutes, earning her trophies for second female and first in the F40 category. 

Charlotte Dennison finished in three hours and 55 minutes, and Sue Slack did a brilliant job of sweeping the race, finishing behind the last runner in four hours and 27 minutes.