Esk Valley Fell Club - Guisborough Woods Fell Race

THE day after Boxing Day, competitors turned out in force for 2018 version of the Esk Valley Fell Club Guisborough Woods race with 201 runners across the junior and senior categories.

They were blessed with just about a perfect fell racing day, slightly chill side of mild, dry and no breeze to speak of. Harry Holmes, Pudsey and Bramley made it three wins in a row at his ease and in his best time yet of 36 minutes 30 seconds, one of the better times on record, but just shy of Steve Sutcliffe's record of 34 minutes 15 seconds. The men’s leading places were established by the end of the first lap with Harry claiming a good lead as he headed out again. Lee Kemp of Totley AC claimed second and a returning Cameron Taylor of home club, Esk Valley, was third.

In the women's race, Catriona McDonald, Morpeth Harriers, returned, some 10 years to the day after her victory in the Juniors, to this time claim victory in the Senior Race. Fiona Brannan of Elvet Striders was second and Under 23 runner Eli Barnbrook, New Marske Harriers, carried her track and cross-country form in the fells with a fine third place.

In the team competition. Scarborough AC, who were out in force, eased to the women’s victory and North York Moors AC claimed the men’s team prize. There was a healthy junior turnout in the u9/u11 race and it was Hatti Stead, Northumberland Fell Runners, and Jude Greenwell running well over a separate one kilometre course. In the u13/u15/u17 event, where the runners complete one full lap of the senior course, Freddy Wharton, Thirsk and Sowerby, was the winner one second ahead of second place Holden Outhwaite, Esk Valley FC. Zoe Hill, Mandale AC, who led home in the girls section.