Pickering runners had a difficult choice last weekend; whether to chase Vikings across the moors, run over the Wolds in the first cross country race of the season or join 2,093 other runners charging along Scarborough prom. The decision was especially difficult for those in line for category wins in both cross country and the winter fell races. The weather was perfect whatever the choice.

The Viking Chase fell race took runners along the northern edge of the North York Moors. With 8 miles of tricky climbs and descents totalling 1,800 feet of elevation, this was a tough challenge requiring runners to tap into their inner mountain goat. First back for Pickering was Dave Smith in an excellent time of 73 minutes which placed him 2nd M55. Kim Cavill was 2nd F45 with her time of 86:20. Then came Alice Hayter in 98:14, Jo Towler in 99:53, Lynn Humpleby in 101:43 and David Stephenson in 108:46. Well done to Sue Slack who was 1st F65 in a time of 111:23.

295 took part in the first cross country race of the season based in Bishop Wilton. With nearly 1,000 feet of climb over 6 miles, this was another tough challenge. Mike Richmond was first back for PRC with his speedy time of 44 minutes 8 seconds placing him 21st overall. George Haynes was next in 45:07 followed by Simon Jones in 45:51 earning him the 3rd M55 spot. Jonny Everitt crossed the line in 45:58 and Kelly Richmond was 2nd female overall with her excellent time of 46:26. Kelly was followed by Paul Simpson in 48:33, Kirsty Brown in 50:42 and Mike Wilson was 2nd M65 with his time of 53:08. Dave Owuor was next in 53:30, then came Paul Smith in 54:58 and Rich Johnson in 58:15. Karen Farmer-Scott’s time of 58:58 placed her 3rd F60 with Sarah Beal only 1 second behind her in 58:59. Serena Partridge crossed the finish line in 66:11. Jenny Richards was 1st F65 with her time of 66:50. Lydia Adrian really enjoyed her first cross country race and finished in 69:18, followed by Karen Harper in 71:23, Lynsey Hatfield in 71:26, Rebecca Bruce in 75:49 and Mike Punchard in 80:44.

Ben Myers was first back for Pickering in the Scarborough 10k, a popular out and back along Marine Drive.

Ben’s fast time of 39:25 placed him 41st out of 2,093. Richard Robinson wasn’t far behind in 40:55, then came

Paul Robinson in 48:19, Suzy Hodgson in 50:24 and Adam Lloyd in 59:06.

Shawn Imeson ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London in 2 hours 4 minutes.