THERE are many ways to get some fresh air and exercise after overindulgence on New Year’s Eve, but this was taken to an extreme by runners in the Esk Valley Fell Club annual race on New Year’s Day. The race starts at Great Ayton and goes up to Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor and back. The Monument is 1,063 feet above sea level and is fully exposed to the wind and rain during bad weather. Despite the heavy rain overnight and the sleety squalls during the morning, there was huge turnout for the race.

Amazingly 346 runners from across the country of all ages, from 17 to those in their 70s, took part in the 8-kilometre run, as well as 18 competitors in the under 13s, and 18 more in the under 17 category on a slighter shorter course. The course wasn’t all on easy ground either with a sharp climb up a greasy muddy footpath through the woods and on to the moor.

The winner was Lloyd Biddell from the West Mercia Fell Club, who had travelled from the Midlands to take part, in a time of 30 minutes and 40 seconds, just a minute outside the course record, despite the appalling conditions. Second was Harry Holmes from York Knavesmire Club and third was Rory Stead from Aberdeen Athletic Club. The ladies winner was Nik Tarrega, also from York Knavesmire, and the leading junior runner was Tyler Hutchinson from the City of York AC, who came seventh overall. The leading junior female was Laura Jones from Hartlepool.

Proceeds from the event totalling £1,760 are being donated to local charities which will include the local Yatton House, and Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team amongst others.