The Sunday before Bonfire Night saw the GUY FAWKES TEN-MILER set off from scenic Ripley Castle.

The 26th running drew 738 finishers to this popular fixture but only two competitors broke an hour, with Jonathan Frost (East Hull) winning in 56min 10sec from Fergus Meade (Aldershot) in 56:50.

Several local athletes made the top 20, including Kevin Ogden (Spenborough) in fourth, Darren Burnley (Pudsey Pacers) seventh, Will Kerr (St Bede’s) ninth, Ryan Turnbull (Pudsey Pacers) 12th and Gerard Mills (Bradford-Airedale) 17th.

First lady was Alison Bogie of Chapel Allerton in 68:01. Otley’s Karen Best was next and Skyrac’s Rebecca Cesar de Sa ninth in 75:10.

The race has had various venues but has settled on the current course over the last few years.

The challenging route, with several demanding hills in the second half, is certainly not a PB course and this year was not helped by the additional challenge of strong winds and driving rain.

Despite the popularity, standards have dropped. In 1992 no fewer than 62 competitors broke the hour barrier, although admittedly on an easier course.

Most local clubs started their cross-country seasons on Sunday, with Baildon Runners and Idle AC travelling to Aireville Park in Skipton in the first of the five-race WEST YORKSHIRE WINTER LEAGUE series.

Pudsey Pacers showed themselves to be strong contenders in this league after finishing second last year but face strong opposition from Dewsbury (third) and Stainland (first).

Meanwhile, Eccleshill Road Runners and St Bede’s were at Golden Acre Park on the outskirts of Leeds for the first PECO LEAGUE race, where the top opposition included Horsforth Harriers, Abbey Runners, Ilkley Harriers and Valley Striders.

Entries are now open for two popular events.

The CHEVIN CHASE on Boxing Day, organised by Airecentre Pacers, usually fills up to its limit of 850 well before the closing date. Visit www.airecentre-pacers.co.uk/CC_Entry_Form_2009.pdf.

Baildon Runners, organisers of the BAILDON BOUNDARY WAY off-road half-marathon on March 28, report that entries are more than half full for the race (limit 400) only weeks after opening. Visit www.baildonrunners.webeden.co.uk.