WALKERS and runners navigated their way around the North York Moors at the weekend as part of a fundraising survival event.

The Cleveland Survival took place on Saturday (March 25) where 212 competitors aged from 14 to 85 came from across the country to pit themselves against orienteering courses.

Starting from Borrowby, near Thirsk, the entrants had the option of taking part in a 26 mile course, or a shorter, 13 mile route.

The annual event has been running for the past 34 years and is organised by Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team and is a major fundraising event for the volunteer organisation.

Spokesperson for the rescue team, Peter Mounsey said the men’s winner completed the course in just less than five hours and the fastest female competitor in five hours and 28 minutes.

He said: “Most of the entrants selected to complete the longer course this year but we are finding the newly introduced short route popular with those who want a good day out on the hills with less of a challenge.”

The competitors pay a fee to enter which goes to the rescue team funds. This year Cleveland Survival is expected to raise more than £4,000.

Members of the rescue group are unpaid and have to raise £25,000 a year running costs.