THE annual Gisborough Moors Race took place on Sunday, a deceptively cool day, with the bright sunshine belied by the chill easterly wind courtesy of the high pressure that has taken residence over Sweden.

A double booking at the Guisborough Rugby Club meant a change of venue to the Guisborough and East Cleveland Sea Cadets Hall, but an opportunity to support a terrific youth charity.

On a busy day for North East/North Yorkshire racing, 140 competitors signed up for the event. From the off it was Harry Holmes of Matlock AC who showed his great national standard form of late, to take the lead, with Jayson Cavill (Roots) and Jonathan Skidmore of NYMAC following. In the women’s race there was another visit from Keswick AC's Katie Sijpestein, with Nik Tarrega Yorks Knavesmire and Ella Towers New Marske Harriers providing the competition at the head of the field.

Harry Holmes stretched his lead as the race progressed, only missing a beat when moved marking tape on the moor crossing to Highcliffe meant he took a forest detour, this affected a fair few others in the race, to the delight of the Highcliffe marshals as the runners approached them from all directions, lesson - follow your map. In the tale of the tape, it was Harry followed in by Jonathan and Jayson.

In the women’s competition, after a race long battle Katie Sijpestein beat Nik Tarrega with Ella Towers third.

NYMAC claimed the men’s team prize, and the women’s team was won by York Knavesmire with the benefit of a ghost runner, and Scarborough placing the first complete team.

A massive thank you was given to the race marshals.

The next race on the series is the Blakey Blitz race on Sunday 28 April at 10.30am starting at the Lion Inn of Blakey Rigg.