This traditional new years day race saw 7 members enjoy a sunny but chilly morning running to Captain Cooks Monument and back to Great Ayrton. Ray Oliver and Andrew Whiles led the initial dash (for the club) from the village centre to the steep climb up to the monument. Conditions underfoot where muddy due to the recent snows thawing out. The climb to the top is a real lung buster but the thought of a fast descent back to the finish helps to push you on. The descent is fast and technical running across gorse on narrow tracks making overtaking a challenge. There is another short road section which has a nasty bump in it before heading across fields, through woods and muddy paths before finishing in a field just before the high street. Ray was first to finish for the club with your’s truly 2nd. Andrew Whiles was third and Chris Watson 4th and last member of Redcar A team. Russ Kelly was next followed by Jeannie Wilde and then Louise Ellison running this race for the first time. A good mornings work and great to see so many members forgoing their New Years partying to take part.

Results will be posted later when released by Esk Valley Harriers Club