RUNNERS from across the world donned fancy dress on Boxing Day to take to the hills around Otley.

About 1,175* people, dressed as everything from Father Christmas to an ‘iron nan’ complete with ironing board, took part in the 40th edition of the Chevin Chase on Wednesday, December 26.

Competitors from around Yorkshire along with international entrants from as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Texas negotiated an often muddy seven mile course - cheered on by some 2,000 spectators.

The first man was Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers AC, with a time of 38 minutes, 50 seconds - within two minutes of the course record held by Olympian Alistair Brownlee. The first woman to cross was Helen Thurston, also of Ilkley Harriers, in a time of 46 minutes and 4 seconds – within two minutes of the women’s course record.

*Of those 1,169 completed the race.