Those running races on Sunday 1st February were given a rare treat; sunshine! With the gentle breeze, the weather was perfect for running. After all the recent rain, however, conditions underfoot were not so perfect unless you like sliding around in mud.

The latest races in the Hardmoors Series were based in Saltburn. Ryan Gaughan chose the marathon option, which was 28.9 muddy miles with nearly 4,000 feet of slippery ascents and descents. Ryan Gaughan put in a truly amazing performance, his time of 3 hours 55 minutes earning him the 1st place trophy.

Bridget Houlston also had an outstanding run in the half marathon, 14.8 miles with 2,000 feet of climb. Bridget was justifiably delighted to receive the trophy for 2nd female, with her time of 2 hours 24 minutes. This placed her 12th overall. Lydia Adrian thoroughly enjoyed the event finishing in 3 hours 44 minutes. Lynn Humpleby decided to withdraw after 12 miles due to a knee injury, a tough decision so close to the end.

The 10k, 7.5 miles with 850 feet of climb, was a family affair for some. Chris Adams ran with son George. They crossed the line in a speedy 1 hour 30 minutes. Martin Dennison and son Henry finished strongly in 2 hours 11 minutes and Charlotte Dennison with daughter Olivia were not far behind clocking 2 hours 16 minutes. Graham Robinson finished just ahead of them in 2 hours 13 minutes.

The latest counter in the Winter Fell Race Series also took place on Sunday. The Cod Beck Canter, based near Osmotherley, has 2,000 feet of elevation over 10 miles. Robbie Preston was first back for PRC crossing the finish line in very competitive 1 hour 16 minutes, placing him 6th out of 133. Mike Richmond was next in 1 hour 27 minutes, followed by Kelly Richmond in 1 hour 35 minutes, Lucy Saggers in 1 hour 49 minutes and David Stephenson in 1 hour 59 minutes. Alice Hayter finished in 2 hours, next came Nick Cousins in 2 hours 5 minutes and Serena Partridge in 2 hours 11 minutes.

The muddy conditions made the annual Fountains Abbey 10k more of a challenge than usual. This undulating multi terrain course takes runners through the beautiful grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal watched by herds of deer. Sisters Chloe and Heather Riley ran and skated their way round with Chloe finishing in 1 hour 1 minute and Heather in 1 hour 20 minutes.