OCTOBER would usually have included Swaledale Runners' annual club fundraiser the Richmond Castle 10k.

For obvious reasons this was cancelled, but in its place, Claire Hewitt and her helpers, Simon and John Elliott, organised the Richmond Castle 10k virtual event. In honour of the undulating nature of the Richmond Castle 10k course, entrants were asked to match or exceed the 210m of elevation that runners would usually undertake as part of the 10k.

Therefore, to complete this challenge they should run at least 10km, as one continuous run, with a total elevation of more than 210m – or as separate runs with no minimum elevation. There were two separate leaderboards, depending on which type of run was done

All the runs took place between October 11 and 17, and all profits go to St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington.

The first three men and first three women won a free entry in the 2021 Richmond Castle 10k race. They were: Men: 1. Nick Downing (42.27), 2. Matthew Randall (42.34), 3. Arron Dawson (43.10). Women: 1. Rebecca Smith (43.01), 2. Jess Young (43.59), 3. Rebecca Simpson (50.53).

A special mention to Claire's Swaledale Shufflers, who had only just completed the Couch to 5k then did the 10k – Jean Rain, Janet Wilson, Angela Muston and Nicky Hebb, and a big thank you to the sponsors for donating prizes.

A four-pack of beer from Richmond Brewery went to the most "average" runner, the person who was closest to the average time of 1:08:51, which was Hayley Rogers (1:08:57).

Spot prizes were awarded at random.

Other Swaledale Runners' recent success include:

On September 18, Richard Izdebski competed in the Hardmoors 60 Race in a time of just over 16 hours.

At the Falls and Castle trail races, a seven or 18 mile race starting and finishing at Castle Bolton, there were prizes all round for the three Swaledale Runners who competed. Jess Young continues with her amazing form with a first lady position and 12th overall in the 18 mile race in 2.32.32. Roger Brisley was second MV60 in 3.27.07, and Julia Spittle made a great come back, having done very little training to get first FV60 in the seven mile race in 1.15.58.

On October 10, Martin Randall and Jess Young ran the Chapelfell Top fell race. Both had brilliant runs, Martin finishing in 45.28, 23rd, first M50, and Jess 46.28, 24th, second female.

On October 24 there were three events taking place, all tough in brutal conditions. Roger Brisley ran the Langdale Marathon in 4.59.42. Ian Oldham and Tony Taylor were at the Hardmoors 55 on the North York Moors. Ian finished in 10.34 and Tony in 12.12. Also on Saturday was the Yorkshire Trod, organised by Due North Events, a 50k route starting and finishing at Grassington taking in Malham, Aincliffe, Litton then down the valley from Buckden. Jess Young, Ros Blackmore and Stu Clarkson took part. Jess was second lady, and Ros and Stu were pleased to finished under their predicted time.