PICKERING Running Club saw members participate in a number of races across North Yorkshire, including the Hardmoors and Pocklington 10k.

A humid and sunny Sunday saw the running of the Hardmoors Wainstones races, based in Chop Gate along the northern edge of the North York Moors.

Four of the club’s runners chose the ‘half marathon’ option, 16.5 miles with a whopping 3,481 feet of elevation taking them into the low -lying cloud cover.

Despite running the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Kirkbymoorside 10k the previous week, Simon Jones sprinted across the line to finish fifth overall and second in the M50 category in an astonishing time of two hours and 42 minutes.

Ruth Kaftirani was next for Pickering in three hours and 37 minutes, followed by Kate Towse in four hours and 12 minutes, and Serena Partridge in four hours and 27 minutes.

Charlotte Dennison chose the 10k option, still a tough challenge with 1,750 feet of climb over the nine-mile course, clocking an impressive time of two hours and 35 minutes.

Hot on her heels was Graham Robinson, celebrating his 68th birthday in style after cruising across the line in two hours and 36 minutes.

Read more about Pickering Running Club:

Over 400 runners then braved the elements to compete in the second event of the Road Race League, the Pocklington 10k.

Spectacular thunderstorms and torrential rains turned the roads into rivers and soaked the runners as they tackled the climb to Millington then back down into Pocklington.

Mike Richmond was first back for Pickering in a very competitive time of 39 minutes and 19 seconds, closely followed by Simon Jones in 40 minutes and four seconds.

Kelly Gaughan was the fourth female overall and second in the open category, clocking 40 minutes and 41 seconds.

Dave Smith was next in 41 minutes and 27 seconds, then came Ryan Gaughan in 41 minutes and 43 seconds, Richard Robinson in 44 minutes and two seconds, and Andy Reeves in 46 minutes and nine seconds.

Paul Robinson finished in 48 minutes and 31 seconds, Mike Wilson in 48 minutes and 47 seconds, Chris Adams in 50 minutes and five seconds and Nick Cousins in 50 minutes and 41 seconds.

Mike Hetherton crossed the finish line in 50 minutes and 58 seconds, placing him first in the M70 category.

Peter Allen opted for a different challenge, running the Armada 5k in Plymouth in 18 minutes and 23 seconds, placing him third overall.