PICKERING Running Club’s Simon Rycroft has conquered the Montane Lakeland 100-mile ‘Ultra Tour of the Lake District’.

It is a gruelling circular route which encompasses the whole of the Lakeland fells.

The total ascent of 6,300 metres, the rugged terrain, the extreme daytime heat and tricky navigation during the hours of darkness mean that generally there is a failure rate between 40 and 50 per cent over the 100-mile course.

But Rycroft powered through in a fantastic time of 28 hours and 39 minutes.

Four PRC runners chose to do the Lakeland 50-mile race. With more than 3,100m of ascent, this is still a huge challenge.

The time limit for the Lakeland 50 event is 24 hours but all four came in with hours to spare.

First back for PRC was Ben Myers. Sprinting over the mountain tops and fearlessly downhill, he crossed the finish line in 11:20.

Pacing herself well, Clare Mawrey completed the course in 15:24 while Debbie Rycroft came in in 16:35.

Jenny Storrie struggled with the heat and illness on the day but showing impressive grit to cross the line in a very creditable 19:05.

Meanwhile, several PRC members took part in the various events taking place at Castle Howard’s festival of running, swimming and cycling.

Kelly Gaughan chose the Olympic triathlon of a two-kilometre swim, 45k cycle and 10k run.

Showing her usual speed and endurance, Gaughan finished in 3:06, placing her seventh in category.

Sue Slack tackled the triathlon sprint comprising an 800m swim, 40k cycle and 8k run.

Despite having a hay fever-type reaction to the Castle Howard lake water, Slack finished first in category in 3:38.

Debbie Sadler completed the triathlon super sprint of a 500m swim, 23k cycle and 4k run.

Using her strong cycling ability to best advantage, Sadler finished sixth in category in 2:09.

Despite being new to the event, Lynn Humpleby completed the 'sprint aquathon', which features a 750m swim and 5k run, in 46 minutes and 33 seconds, placing her fourth in category.

Andrew Bates took part in the half-marathon and was delighted with a personal-best time of 1:50. On a warm day and on a hilly course, Bates finished 27th overall.

Returning to running after a long break, a determined Heather Farrow went for the 10k run. Farrow finished in an admirable one hour and 13 minutes.