The traditional CHRISTMAS HANDICAPS took place from Horsfall stadium in cold, overcast conditions.

The four-mile handicap along the Halifax Road to Shelf and back is based on runners' recent times, giving them a starting-time delay, so that in principle they all return at an identical time.

First home was Diane Simpson with a time of 37min 52sec, having started with a 20min 38sec handicap. Fastest runners were both from host-club Bradford Airedale. Lydia Farley ran 28min 31sec as fastest lady, and Gerard Mills was quickest male in 23min 47sec. He had been the last runner off, with a handicap of 36min 40sec.

Seventy seven-year-old John Wilson turned up after an operation three years ago.

An excellent turnout from Queensbury RC were led by Martin Firth, fourth in the handicap and first male.

A large number of parkrun runners took the step up from 5K to four miles and everyone congregated for mince pies and presents in the pavilion clubhouse afterwards.