Olympic bronze medallist Jonny Brownlee, from Bramhope, is expected to be chasing a hat-trick of wins in the Aire Centre Pacers’ Chevin Chase on Boxing Day.

About 900 runners are expected to enter, and chip timing will be used for the first time.

This year’s race will feature a slightly revised course, avoiding the dreaded congestion over the stiles by the Royalty and the usual quagmire in the neighbouring field.

Instead, runners will turn left out of the Surprise View car park to head down York Gate.

Amanda Connolly, who is making her debut as race director, is both excited and nervous as her race plans come to fruition, and it promises to be another overwhelming success as the tough seven-mile event attracts runners from far afield, including three generations from one family.

There were a record number of Pacers taking part in the second PECO cross-country race at Golden Acre Park on Sunday, with 20 members among the field of over 500.

First home for the men was Will Morris in 32nd, while the women were headed by Angela Crawford in 100th. Linda Braham retired with a twisted ankle.

Other finishers – Men: Jonathan Forey 99, Gavin Watmuff 212, Matt Tupling 213, Richard Clark 271, Tony Pfeiffer 284, Andrew Smith 304, Chris Hill 306, Simon Tupling 340, Andrew Tesseyman. Women: Lynne Morris 116, Sarah Podesta 117, Amanda Connolly 119, Rhona Neilson 167, Izabela Georgiades 168, Julie Stead 187, Sue Milnes 210, Jane Tesseyman 216.

The women's veterans’ team are currently top of the First Division with three fixtures left.