AIRECENTRE Pacers enjoyed another successful weekend of racing despite some challenging weather conditions including sleet, hail and strong winds.

Most people regard the marathon as the pinnacle of running achievement, but a a tougher band of athletes are “ultra” runners.

The Punk Panther race series of six ultra marathons starting in Otley throughout the year arrived at its conclusion on Saturday with the Christmas Cracker - a 56k route covering some of Wharfedale's toughest trails including Timble, Beamsley, Roundhill, and Stainburn in brutal weather.

Eight miles longer than a standard marathon, the race was no match for Pacer Chris Jones, who won in seven hours and 35 minutes with Kim Roden and Mark Wood in second and third. Race director Ryk Downes also participated.

On the same day, in form Pacer Andrew Humphries romped home to win at Bradford Parkrun in 18.12. Pacers Kate McFarlane (24.11), Andy Gledhill (26.40) and Cora Dove (34.13) in support.

Meanwhile, Janice Chruscht turned in a fine performance at Bingley's Myrtle Park Parkrun, finishing second in her age group (29.48).

Sleet, hail and ice greeted the 14 Pacers who turned out to run the second PECO cross country held adjacent to the John Charles Sports Centre in Middleton, Leeds. Run through fields and woodland, mud was the main challenge.

In the men’s race, Andrew Humphries (33rd) led the Pacers team home in 29.53, followed by Richard Walker (32.25), Matt Burnham (37.26), Simon Molyneaux (38.21), William Woodhead (40.30) and Chris Hill (41.12).

In the ladies race, Kate McFarlane was top Pacer in 46th place (37.52), followed by team skipper Sally Haigh (43.11), Faye Cameron (44.30), Helen Waite (47.23), Carly Dykes (47.42) and Dorothy Darnbrough (53.53).

In the 1.5 mile junior race for under-11s, Evie Walker (10.08) and Monty Walker (10.43) turned excellent performances to finish 78th and 109th out of 180 runners.