The most miles run in a race last weekend definitely goes to Emily Marner who competed in the Highland Fling, a point to point trail ultramarathon along the southern 53 miles of Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. As you would expect, the route is far from flat and packs in nearly 7,000 feet of ascent but at least the climbs give runners chance to admire the stunning scenery, something which is tricky on the technical descents. Emily loved the challenge and finished 25th female with her time of 11 hours 25 minutes. 450 runners took part with 50 not making it to the finish line. Well done Emily.

Kate Towse ran the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler 20 miler, a trail race based around Skipton taking in plenty of hills with a total of 2,500 feet of climb. At least the fields of cows gave runners an excuse to walk! Kate crossed the finish line in 5 hours 1 minute

The Hardmoors Roseberry races also took place at the weekend, all taking in the summit of Roseberry Topping. Simon Jones did well in the Marathon which is nearly 28 miles. His time of 5 hours 32 minutes placed him 9th overall out of 85 and 3rd M50.

Alice Hayter competed in the Half Marathon, 15 miles with 3,300 feet of climb, and crossed the finish line in 3 hours 31 minutes.

Sarah Beal and Chris Adams chose the 10k option, nearly 9 miles with 1,500 feet of climb. Sarah finished in 1 hour 39 minutes with Chris not far behind in 1:48.

It is getting near the end of the summer fell race series and the Pickering ladies team held on to their lead in The Bilsdale Fell Race. This short 5.4 mile race packs in 1,145 feet of climb to Bilsdale Beacon. Nimble feet are needed for the charge back down to the finish. PRC’s mountain goats scooped up a plethora of prizes. First was Dave Smith who crossed the finish line in 47 minutes 18 seconds placing him 9th overall and 1st M55. Then came Paul Smith in 58:09, 2nd M65. Paul was followed by Charles Corbett in 60:51, Mike Wilson in 60:55, 3rd M65 and Lucy Saggers in 61:20, 1st F55. Alice Hayter won the prize for 1st F50 with her time of 63:57 despite running the Roseberry Half the previous day. Nicola Thorpe’s time of 66:14 placed her 1st F60 and Jo Towler was 2nd F50 clocking 66:21.

In contrast to all these hilly off-road races Richard Robinson ran Middlesbrough 10k in an excellent time of 42 minutes 40 seconds.