SEVEN Pickering Running Club members took up the challenge of the Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon.

The seven were spurred on by encouraging support from fellow club members in cold and overcast conditions, perfect for running.

First back for Pickering was experienced long distance runner Simon Jones, finishing under three hours in 02:57:05.

Second back was Kelly Gaughan, who was delighted with her time of 03:36:34, knocking a massive 40 minutes off her previous time.

Ruth Kaftirani was also pleased with her personal best of 03:45:20.

Nicola Wise crossed the line in 04:26:13.

Jennifer Wise, completing her first marathon, was delighted and surprised to finish in 04:49:04.

Mike Punchard, also completing his first marathon, was pleased with his time of 5:34:17.

Dean Wise, caught in the heavy downpour, finished in 05:55:02.

The other option in York on Sunday, October 20 was the 10-mile race.

First back for PRC was Heather Farrow in a very impressive 01:23:12, placing her fourth in category.

Next to cross the finish line was Debbie Sadler in 01:53:28, followed by Kat Smith in 02:01:10.

A group of 17 PRC runners took on a very different challenge in Sunday's Gormire Gamble, the second fixture in the Dave Parry Winter Fell Race Series, a veritable mudfest of a race on the steep slopes below the White Horse Visitor Centre.

Returning to PRC, Jayson Cavill finished second overall in 42:39.

Enjoying the muddy course, Russ Grayson finished in 48:45.

Kim Cavill was the first lady to cross the line for PRC in 55:58, closely followed by Andy Harvey in 56:05, Russ Charlton in 56:25, Rich Johnson in 57:19 and Nick Cousins in 59:27.

David Stevenson finished in 65:36, closely followed by Lynn Humpleby.

Enjoying the slippery challenge, Jenny Storrie completed the race in 67:53, Amanda Welburn-Smith in 68:31 and Michael Hetherton in 68:37.

Next back for PRC was Gemma Fearnley in 75:16, very closely followed by Serena Partridge in 75:17 and then Debbie Ryecroft in 77:02. Simon Thomas finished in 87:01 and Anita Radini in 90:35.

The impressive turnout from PRC resulted in the men having two teams, placed third and 12th in the Winter Fell Race Series, the ladies having three teams placed fifth, eighth and 12th.

Heading south to Portsmouth, Sue Slack took part in the 10 mile coastal road race, completing 01:27:28.