On Tuesday 28th, there was much excited anticipation on the start line of the first race of the 2026 York & District Road Race League, Tadcaster 10k. The evening was perfect, with cloudless skies, a cool breeze and red kites circling overhead. For the first time in the league’s history over 500 runners waited for the off outside Tadcaster Grammar School. Simon Jones was first back for Pickering in 39 minutes 7 seconds, placing him 3rd M55. Richard Robinson was close behind in 39:41, followed by Mike Richmond in 41:44 and Paul Simpson in 42:18. Kirsty Brown was delighted to achieve a 10k personal best with her time of 43:13. Next came Paul Hickman in 45:09 and Dave Owuor in 46:57. In her first outing with PRC, Elizabeth Halliwell crossed the line in 47:48, closely followed by Colin Garnett in 48:08 and Ben Paviour in 48:18. Well done to Paul Robinson who was 1st M70 clocking 48:25. Serena Partridge was next in 48:45, chased down by Mike Wilson in 48:48. Then came Nick Cousins in 50:59, Suzy Hodgson in 51:26, Chris Adams in 51:35 and Sarah Beal in 53:24, another new runner with PRC. Carol Wilson was 3rd F65 with her time of 54:57. Lynsey Hatfield crossed the line next in 56:42, running in a PRC vest for the first time. Lydia Adrian was close behind in 56:56, then came Paul Tate-Smith in 59:04, Karen Harper in 60:54, Sally Brown in 61:58, Pam Garnett in 63:50 and Adam Lloyd in 64:16.

The annual Kirkbymoorside 10k took place on Sunday. The damp, drizzly weather couldn’t dampen the spirits. This race is renowned for its wonderful supporters and an excellent finish with runners careering down the High Street to tumultuous cheering. No wonder the 500 places were sold out in advance. Robbie Preston had a brilliant run, crossing the line 10th overall and 2nd M35 in 37:14, a 10k personal best. Ben Myers was next in 38:15. Richard Robinson’s time of 39:20 placed him 1st M45 and Kelly Richmond was 3rd female senior with her time of 40:53. Next to finish was Paul Simpson in 41:49 followed by Ollie Baxter in 42:00, Michael Todd in 42:46 and Kirsty Brown in 43:22, beating her previous time for the course by a massive 7 minutes. Mike Richmond, despite pushing baby Daisy round in her buggy, finished in a speedy 44:20. Malc Hodgson was 2nd M60 with his time of 44:24. Paul Hickman was next in 45:13, followed by Boyd Brad in 45:44 and Dave Owuor in 47:33, Paul Smith’s time of 47:36 placed him 2nd M65. John Cheetham was close behind in 47:55, then came Andrew Garside in 48:36 and Paul Robinson who bagged the 1st M70 prize with his time of 48:44. Erin Outram was next in 50:44, then Lynn Humpleby in 51:21, Suzy Hodgson in 51:49, David Stephenson in 52:03, Sarah Beal in 54:29, Julie Ventress in 55:05, Sally Edwards in 63:47, Lisa Adams in 66:29, Nicola Wise in 67:23 and Dean Wise in 71:06

Sunday also saw the running of the first race in the summer fell race series, the Fox and Hounds. There were only 2 runners from PRC as most were either running, volunteering or supporting at Kirkbymoorside. It was a tough 9.6 mile course with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation. Runners were encouraged up the steep climbs by a cuckoo calling. Alice Hayter had a great run. Her time of 1 hour 51 minutes was a course personal best and earned her the prize for 1st F50 and placed her 5th female overall. Lucy Saggers was 2nd F55 with her time of 1:54.

It has now been confirmed that Pickering ladies have won the team prize for the Winter Fell Race Series, an excellent achievement, and congratulations to Robbie Preston who was second overall for the series and to Alice Hayter and Lucy Saggers who won Endurance Prizes.

Also, this weekend, Graham Robinson took part in the 2026 Whalebones Walk in support of Cleveland Mountain Rescue, a tough 22 mile challenge along the coast incorporating 2,270 feet of climb. The usual stunning views were veiled in mist and rain but undaunted, Graham made it to the end. Well done.