On New Year’s day eight members of Aycliffe Running Club tackled the tough and demanding Captain Cook’s Fell Race, which took place in the North York Moors.
A wet and mild winter’s day led to some slippery conditions, but 271 runners managed to complete the course and the event raised £1,953 for various organisations.
This was the first fell race for both Jodie McMaster and Clare Rose, so they decided at the outset to stick with each other to make sure they got round. This they did admirably in 57:51, 242nd and 58:05, 243rd respectively.
The only other female from the club, Sue Milburn, is certainly not new to this type of race and showed her worth by finishing 2nd in the F/55 age group in 53:21 and 214th overall. Hubby Peter Milburn went one better finishing 1st in the V/55 age group in 38:46 and 39th overall.
However, Dez Fielden was first home for the club 26th in 37:30
Other finishers were – Matt Heron, 80th in 41:52, Lee Wren, 138th in 45:36 and Steve Smith, 166th in 48:10.
On the previous Sunday thirteen members of the club took part in the multi-terrain Jolly Holly Jog. The race was a sell out with a record entry of 704 runners.
It was a bright and sunny day starting with a heavy frost, which made the tarmac sections somewhat slippy, but helped to firm up the muddier sections.
Trish Kay completed the Saltwell 10k in 51:40 in 231st position and Kevin Greenall ran in the Old Monks 6 Multi-Terrain Race finishing 170th in 48:41.

Clare and Jodie at Captain Cooks Fell Race 2015

Jodie McMaster & Clare Rose