ILKLEY Harriers' ladies produced a superb performance at the latest PECO cross country event at Crimple Valley near Harrogate on Sunday.

The new course featured muddy trails, grass, technical wooded areas, plenty of twists and turns and a great view of the Crimple Valley Viaduct, despite the mist.

Three of the Harriers made the top 20, out of nearly 400 finishers.

Pauline Munro was eighth in 29:39, just over a minute behind winner Helen Cross of York Tri club, taking the first F50 prize in the process.

Sarah Pickering was 14th and Rachel Carter 20th, helping the Harriers into third place in the First Division standings.

The men were fifth out of 11 teams in their division, Steve Gott leading the way in 31st out of 485.

Much further afield was the Pilancones Tunte Ultra Trail race in Gran Canaria - a 44km circuit which took in a whopping 12,500 feet of climbing.

This long race circled around the middle of this rocky island, starting in San Bartolome de Tirujana, a mountain village.

The peaks there are at their highest and roughest, with near vertical rocky ascents and descents, with ropes essential at some points.

Paul Carman and Jann Smith were the Harriers' representatives, setting off in the dark, rain and cold, before being rewarded with a finish in the warming sun.

Paul was 49th in six hours and 23 minutes, with Jann 70th (6:51) overall, top ten in the ladies standings and second in her age category.

The weekend had started with the Harriers’ annual awards which were held at The Wheatley Arms in Ben Rhydding, celebrating a fantastic 2018 for the club across all disciplines and ages.

Among the prizes handed out were the top male runner to Jack Wood after another stellar 12 months of race wins on the fells, trails and road - all over a vast range of distances.

Kate Archer took the female equivalent and Helen Thurston’s extraordinary progress throughout the year was rewarded with the most improved runner title.

Euan Brennan has been busy making his mark on the European stage, so it was no surprise to see him named top under-23 male, Lucy Williamson the under-23 female winner.

Hilda Coulsey’s tremendous efforts on behalf of the club were recognised with the top female contribution, and she also took home the over-50 female runner award.

She was just pipped for the Harriers league title by Colin Williams - and he had a night to remember, also landing the male over-50 and road league titles.