LAST weekend saw the running of the Hardmoors 55, an annual 55-mile race along the Cleveland Way from Guisborough to Helmsley.

Much of this beautiful route is on technical terrain or energy-sapping mud, and with nearly 9,000 feet of elevation this is a truly epic challenge.

Although the weather stayed dry this year, competitors had to contend with very strong and cold winds - out of over 300 starters, nearly 50 did not finish the race.

Despite his struggles with eating during the latter half of the race, Darren Smith was first back for Pickering Running Club in a very impressive nine hours and 53 minutes.

Michael Todd, aiming for a time of sub-10 hours, wasn’t far behind and was justifiably pleased with his time of nine hours and 55 minutes.

Simon Jones enjoyed an excellently-paced race, reaching the finish line strongly in 11 hours and 10 minutes.

The 50th running of the Spen 20 took place on Sunday.

A 20-mile, two lap course based at the Princess Mary Athletics Stadium in Spenborough, West Yorkshire, the route takes runners over the moors with over 1,500 feet of elevation.

Mike and Kelly Richmond both had a brilliant race for Pickering.

Mike clocked a speedy two hours and 18 minutes, whilst Kelly’s time of two hours and 20 minutes earned her a prize for the third female finisher and also silver for the Yorkshire 20 Mile Championships.

Andrew Bates ran the Coniston 14, an event which claims to be ‘probably the most beautiful road race in Britain’ and attracts over 1,000 runners.

The undulating route goes around the shores of Lake Coniston in the Lake District.

Andrew thoroughly enjoyed the stunning event, finishing in a competitive two hours and seven minutes.