THE inaugural SABIC Eston Nab Challenge Race has been hailed a huge success by organisers.

The race saw runners take on a 5km or 10km challenge from Eston centre, up the Eston hills to the Nab and back again where they received huge cheers from the crowds enjoying the event village market and free family fun.

Councillor Ann Higgins, co-chair of the organising committee, said: “It’s been a brilliant day. We organised this race but the runners made it work.

“What a great race. It was a runaway success for sure.”

The winners of each event were:

5km: Mick Monkman – 23.06

10km: Josh Abrook – 48.09

Mick Monkman said: “The first half was really tough; the second half was great, loads of fun. It’s great fun, a great event.”

And the 10km winner, Josh Abrook, added: “The first two miles were all uphill. I’m quite strong on hills so I managed to hold on all the way really. Downhills can be just as hard really, you’ve got to get them right but I managed to hold it together.”

The route took runners out of the village and up to the top of Eston Nab before returning back to the start.

Councillor Bob Norton, co-chair of the organising committee, said: “We wanted to bring this race back to Eston to celebrate the town and its heritage.

“I was really pleased to see so many people enjoying this terrific race and family market.

“The Nab’ will be back next year and it’ll be even better.”

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar and Cleveland Borough council cabinet member for culture, tourism and communications, said: “Congratulations to all the runners, but of course, most of all to Mick and Josh.

“There’ll be more Nab races to come over the years but these guys will always be the first winners.”

The Eston & Normanby Allotment Forum competition for the best-maintained allotments awarded B&Q vouchers worth £150, £100 and £50 for the best three maintained allotments in Normanby, Teesville and Bankfields.

Prizes of 30, £15 and £10 were also awarded at the Eston Residents’ Association heritage exhibition and competition which attracted lots of visitors keen to learn about the village’s proud history.

The SABIC Eston Nab Challenge Race is a partnership of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, event sponsors SABIC and race organisers Hardmoors.