THERE were prizes aplenty for Pickering Running Club, as they took the plaudits in both the team and individual races at the Commondale Clart last Sunday.

The latest race in the Winter Fell Race Series, it is aptly-named, for the 5.5 mile route with just over 600 feet of climb is very clarty.

However, the weather was kind with crisp, cold sunshine and little wind, as Pickering earned both individual and team prizes. 

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First back for the club was Dave Smith in a super speedy time of 41 minutes and 57 seconds, earning him a prize for second in the M50 category. Mike Richmond came next in 43 minutes and 13 seconds, placing him third in the M45 category. 

Kelly Richmond had a fabulous race, her time of 44 minutes and 54 seconds earning her the prize for the first female finisher.

Russ Grayson crossed the line in 45 minutes and 39 seconds, closely followed by Boyd Brad in 46 minutes and 46 seconds. 

Karen Farmer-Scott, despite racing the previous day, clocked an excellent 55 minutes and 46 seconds, earning her the prize for second place in the F55 category.

Lucy Saggers finished next in 61 minutes and 54 seconds, followed by Mike Punchard in 70 minutes and 18 seconds. Sally Brown crossed the finish line in 74 minutes and 23 seconds, placing her third in the F65 category. 

The Pickering Mens’ team earned first place prizes and the Ladies’ team also received prizes for second place.

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That weekend also saw the running of the epic Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile race with over 2,000m of climb along the challenging and technical section of the Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Hebden Bridge. 

To add to the adventure, the race starts at 12 noon, meaning competitors have to run through the night to get to the finish line before the time limit of 18 hours. 

The weather was bitterly cold with snow and ice, but Emily Marner paced herself perfectly to finish in a very competitive time of 16 hours and 52 minutes. 

Four members of Pickering Running Club also took part in The Scarborough Rock, organised by the Long Distance Walking Association. 

The beautiful route starts in Scalby, then takes competitors along the coast through Scarborough, across the moors through Forge Valley and Hackness, and then back to Scalby. 

The weather was perfect, dry and chilly, but underfoot it was soft and muddy, meaning grippy shoes were definitely a must. 

Simon Jones and Nick Cousins chose the 25-mile option with 2,700 feet of climb. 

Simon had a fantastic race, making short work of the challenging route, with his time of four hours and nine minutes placing him second overall. Nick also finished strongly in five hours and 52 minutes. 

Serena Partridge and Karen Farmer-Scott chose to do the 16-mile route, finishing together in a creditable time of three hours and 22 minutes.