A NEW social running initiative has been hailed a success after 45 runners enjoyed its first outing.

The run, in Osmotherley, was the first in a series of six social trail runs organised by Hambleton District Council and supported by the Neon Nights Community Running Group

David Earl, the council’s development officer for health and wellbeing, said: “It was a huge success, and a great social occasion, with many of the runners meeting at Northallerton Leisure Centre and car sharing.

“Hambleton District Council has been working with local runners and running groups to help the community running scene grow and flourish for a number of years now.

“Trail running, in addition to all the accepted benefits of road running, has enormous mental health benefits too plus amazing countryside.”

The free runs that take place every Tuesday evening, meeting at the main Cod Beck car park at 6.30pm.

They are suitable for both novices and experienced trail runners, though runners must be able to run at least four miles.