LATE night revelling was not an option for those wanting to do well in the Captain Cook’s Fell Race on New Year’s Day.

A brilliantly joyous and muddy start to the New Year, this five-mile off-road route packs in over 900 feet of steep climb and often uncontrollably slippery descents. 

Despite that, the sunny, yet cold and crisp, weather was a perfect way for runners to welcome in 2024.

First back for Pickering Running Club was Mike Richmond, who seemingly skimmed over the mud to reach the finish line in a very impressive 38 minutes and 13 seconds. 

Kelly Richmond was close behind in 40 minutes and 53 seconds, followed by Nick Outram in 41 minutes and 14 seconds and Paul Simpson in 42 minutes and one second. 

Rachel Harper crossed the line in 45 minutes and 56 seconds, with her son Sam earning a third-placed podium finish in the junior race.

Serena Partridge clocked a time of 54 minutes and 57 seconds, followed by Lucy Saggers in 56 minutes and 58 seconds. 

Graham Robinson finished in 79 minutes and 56 seconds, continuing his record of having run all 39 Captain Cook’s races, a fantastic achievement.

The week also saw the Bridlington Bonanza events, organised by the brilliantly inclusive It’s Grim Up North. 

Runners raced along the sea front, but the ideal cool conditions upon the start line soon turned to strong winds, with any competitors on the course for over an hour also treated to a soaking amid torrential rain. 

Mark Jackson was Pickering’s sole representative in the Marathon option - his fantastic time of three hours and 37 minutes seeing him finish fifth overall, cheered on by the support of his family.

Pickering’s members also had some outstanding runs in the race’s 10k option.

Karen Farmer-Scott crossed the finish line in a speedy 49 minutes and 10 seconds, placing her as the sixth female finisher, just one second behind her nearest female competitor.

Next came Serena Partridge, who ran well to cross the line in 50 minutes and 56 seconds. 

Lucy Saggers sprinted across the line in 53 minutes and one second and Gemma Fearnley also put in a strong performance, finishing in 55 minutes and 35 seconds. 

All racers thoroughly enjoyed the event and were pleased to finish the course within the top 22 female finishers and before the downpours hit.