THE Guisborough Woods race is a well embedded festive favourite and this year was a record turnout with over 250 competitors. On a fine chill but frost free day, it was the youngsters to the fore but not quite the front. Tyler Hutchinson, City of York AC led off, though a strong climb through the quarry on lap one by Harry Holmes, Pudsey and Bramley and Aidan Rigby, New Marske Harriers, that saw race order established, though Tyler and Ben Bergstrand, Middlesbrough AC remained in close attendance.

In the women’s race it was Nik Terraga, York Knavesmire, Alice Rigby and Kay Neesam , both New Marske Harriers, who eased away. All competitors had to keep their wits about them on the descent through the ankle-deep mud so nothing was certain until the end. In the senior mens race, Harry Holmes kept clear of a fast closing Aidan Rigby by 13 seconds, with Tyler Hutchinson, in third and Ben fourth, whilst in the women’s race Nik Terraga stayed clear with Alice Rigby ahead of Kay Neesam.

York Knavesmire raced to the men’s team prize and New Marske Harriers in the women’s race. Finian Hutchinson, City of York claimed victory in the one lap U13/U15/U17 race with Bethany Bergstrand, Middlesbrough AC leading home the girls. In the U9/U11 1km race it was Harry Gerretti, Gateshead and Sophie Quinn of home club Esk Valley Fell Club claiming respective victories.