THE unseasonal snowfall had changed by Sunday to make the parkland stretches of the BIGK 10K heavy going in Keighley.

The bitter temperature did not prevent 1,056 runners and walkers enjoying Mothers' Day, raising money for the Sue Ryder Hospice at Manorlands.

Sam Clegg of Rotherham just held off Julian Hood (Skipton) for victory in 34min 25sec, a remarkable time given the switchback, hilly and muddy course.

Local boxing star Muhammad Ali ran 36min 42sec for fifth place as an under-16. Fellow youngster Robert Thompson was seventh and the first of many Keighley & Craven runners. Holly Button (Valley Striders) was first female home in 41:25.

Holy Family had the largest turnout of the local schools, while sports clubs such as Lothersdale YFC and businesses like Sainsbury's and Acorn entered full teams.

This week's mass race turns to City Hall for the EPILEPSY ACTION BRADFORD 10K.

The minimum age is 15 years and entries close today. Sunday's race starts at 9am, with the best viewing along Market Street as the first finishers return at about 9.30am.

The AIREDALE ATHLETICS OFF-ROAD WINTER CHALLENGE is nearing a conclusion, with Jim Wheldon likely to win for the first time.

Rob Myers and Mick Cooper, also from Baildon Runners, are his only challengers as the final race approaches – the Heptonstall Fell Race over 15 miles on Sunday, March 20.

In a table dominated by Baildon, Reena Mistry of Eccleshill is second-placed lady behind Jacqueline Cooper. Anna Smith (Queensbury), the series organiser, is third, with Saltaire's Steph Wilson fourth.

Last weekend at Colne there was the latest in the PODIUM 5K series, which start at 6pm on the first Saturday of each month.

The course is five laps of a 1000-metre asphalt, slightly-bending cycle track. It rises three feet each lap, making it perfect for a personal best and ideal for spectators.

The A race has athletes capable of running under 17 minutes, with others going in the B race.

Chris Parr (Gateshead) won in 14min 49sec, with Chris Williams (Queensbury) 23rd in 15:42.

Chris Thornton (Skyrac), Tom Collinge (Queensbury), Ruaridh Mon-Williams (Ilkley) and Michael Malyon (Baildon) were close behind, while Dundee's Eilish McColgan – daughter of Commonwealth Games gold medalist Liz – was first lady in 15:57.