THE first ever Ryedale Run has been hailed a success by organisers - who promise next year's race will be even bigger and better.

Around 100 athletes took part in total, with between 70-80 in the ten-mile adult race, and just under 30 juniors completing the one-mile mini run in the morning.

Organiser Sylvia Milson said everyone was delighted at how the event had gone.

"We had good reports from what I would call the serious runners from clubs, who said it was a good course.

"All the runners finished and everyone in the main race was given a medal and a certificate.

"We even gave a medal to Sam the dog, who walked the ten miles with his owner, Louis England."

Money was still coming in from sponsorship forms, she added, although hopes are high that a large amount of cash will have been raised for Malton and Norton Hospital.

The winner of Sunday's main run was John Yates, from Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, with a time of 1hour 1min 38seconds, and the first woman to cross the finishing line was Helen Southall, from York Acorn Running Club, who completed the race in 1hour 11min 26 seconds.

Gemma Bell, from Kirkbymoorside, won the junior race.

Sylvia thanked all who had helped with the race, adding: "A big thank you to all the runners, without whom the run would not have happened."

Updated: 09:18 Wednesday, October 02, 2002