PICKERING Running Club were met by glorious sunshine for the second race of the East Yorkshire Cross-Country League in Welton.

Crisp, cold and sunny, it was perfect weather as they joined the 375 runners taking on the 6.6-mile route through stunning countryside, undulating woodland paths and field margins.

After all the dry weather, conditions underfoot were good leading to some very quick times, but runners had to be wary of hidden rocks and roots under the carpet of leaves. In fact, several runners fell - including one very close to the start line. 

First back for Pickering was Tom Pilley in a very fleet-footed time of 42 minutes and nine seconds, placing him second in the M40 category.

Next came Darren Smith in 44 minutes and 18 seconds, followed by Simon Jones, who finished third in the M55 category with his time of 45 minutes and seven seconds. 

Richard Robinson was close behind in 45 minutes and 18 seconds, followed by Kelly Richmond whose excellent time of 47 minutes and 56 seconds placed her as the third female finisher. 

Dave Owuor crossed the finish line next in 51 minutes and 23 seconds, followed by Kirsty Brown in 51 minutes and 39 seconds, Paul Smith in 53 minutes and 14 seconds and Mike Wilson in 54 minutes and 38 seconds. 

Karen Farmer-Scott’s time of 55 minutes and 37 seconds placed her first in the F60 category.

Hot on her heels were Rich Johnson in 55 minutes and 42 seconds, Julie Ventress in 57 minutes and 21 seconds and Lucy Saggers, who finished third in the F50 category with her time of 57 minutes and 25 seconds.

Next came Chrissie Raw in 61 minutes and 18 seconds, Serena Partridge in 63 minutes and 38 seconds and Mike Hetherton in 71 minutes and 36 seconds.

Shirley Tyrrell loved her first cross-country race, crossing the finish line with a big smile in 73 minutes and 46 seconds, followed by Nicola Wise in 74 minutes and 21 seconds and Mike Punchard, who, having taken a couple of tumbles, finished in 76 minutes and 27 seconds.

Eschewing the trails, Paul Hickman opted for the Tadcaster 10, where he was among the 800 runners taking up the 10-mile undulating road race.

Taking runners through the villages of Catterton, Healaugh and Wighill before heading back into Tadcaster, Paul finished the race in a quick time of one hour and 15 minutes.