A LOVELY sunny Easter Sunday morning saw 226 runners waiting for the start of the much loved annual Helmsley 10k.

A light but chilly breeze kept runners cool on the long climb up Carlton Bank, but there’s little time to admire the magnificent views as the downhill fun starts with competitors careering down through grassy fields back into Helmsley.

A last little uphill to the finish on the sports field makes the final stretch feel like hard work.

First back for Pickering Running Club was Tom Pilley in an excellent time of 38 minutes and 45 seconds, placing him second in the M35 category and 11th overall.

Then came Ryan Gaughan in 40 minutes 26 seconds and Simon Jones in 41 minutes and 13 seconds, and Mike Richmond, despite struggling with his lung capacity, still finished in a breathtaking 41 minutes and 57 seconds, placing him third in the M45 category.

Matt Dunn was next to cross the line, clocking 43 minutes and 42 seconds, while Richard Robinson finished in a very impressive 44 minutes and three seconds in his first outing for Pickering.

Kelly Gaughan was hot on his heels, finishing in 44 minutes and 56 seconds, which placed her second in the open category and as the fourth female overall.

Alan Richardson put in a very strong performance to finish first in the M65 category, clocking 48 minutes and 29 seconds.

A minute later, Paul Smith crossed the line in 49 minutes and 28 seconds, closely followed by Rich Johnson in 49 minutes and 42 seconds.

Suzy Hodgson was next in a time of 55 minutes and 53 seconds, while Serena Partridge was second in the F45 category, breezing across the finish line in 56 minutes and 40 seconds.

Mike Hetherton was close behind in 56 minutes and 49 seconds, placing him second in the M75 category, before Lynn Humpleby crossed the line in 59 minutes and eight seconds.

Dean Wise was delighted to knock nearly five minutes off his previous best time, finishing in 60 minutes and 34 seconds, with Nicola Wise clocking 62 minutes and 23 seconds, and Mike Punchard crossing the line in 65 minutes and 57 seconds.

Competitors were rewarded with a good runner-sized mug and an Easter egg to round off this excellent, friendly and supportive local event.