IN normal times, Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers' presentation evening would be held in a cosy hotel somewhere after a nice meal.

This year, members had to be satisfied with being socially distanced in a lit car park before Christmas, but Rob Burn pulled off the evening successfully, and for all his efforts in keeping club momentum going, and for his eternal enthusiasm, he won the Endeavour Award. He also came in second place in the men's club championship, pipped by a couple of points by the determined and focused Stephan Tomaszewski.

In third place, and really making an impact this year, was Paul Peacock, with Geoff Bullock fourth and Matt Jones fifth. Although Geoff has been running for many years, he has approached running this year with renewed vigour, and was also awarded the trophy for the most improved male.

When Lorraine Hiles is involved, she really takes some beating after times are age adjusted, and this year was no exception. She was the winner of the women's championship ahead of Trudy Morrice, another who has improved a lot this year, with Esther Harrison, invariably first placed in races, but losing out after age adjustment, in third place. Trish Radford was fourth and the competitive Hilary Coventry fifth.

All completed runs in each of the statutory six sections, as well as four more races.

Some members went the extra mile in completing all 20 of the available championship races, and were given special awards. They were Esther Harrison, Kirsty Naylor, Alison Butcher, Andy Butcher and Martyn Coy.

Special thanks went to Ian Codling for working out points after each race, and with Marian's help, co-ordinating them at the end – no mean task, but vital for the smooth running of the championship.

Rosie Gatenby was voted runners' runner, and Margaret Wikeley was adjudged to be the most improved female.

A club spokesperson said: "All in all, in spite of such difficult circumstances, the year has turned out to be a happy and successful one, with large numbers of people appearing regularly."