RUNNERS from across the world donned fancy dress on Boxing Day to take to the hills around Otley.

A total of 1,175 people, dressed as everything from Father Christmas to an ‘iron nan’ complete with ironing board, took part in the 40th edition of the Chevin Chase on Wednesday, December 26.

Competitors from around Yorkshire along with international entrants from as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Texas negotiated an often muddy and wet seven mile course.

Two hundred extra places had been added this year in honour of the 40th anniversary celebrations by race organisers Airecentre Pacers.

They had been snapped up, along with the remaining 1,200 places, in record time and 1,163 runners completed the challenge on the day – cheered on by some 2,000 spectators.

Airecentre Pacers’ new Chevin Chase Race Director, Ewen Pearson, said: “With marshals prepped and water stations at the ready the plucky runners made their way up, across, around and down our beautiful Chevin, braving the hills, squelching through thick mud and enjoying the scenery.

“They wound their way through the woods and up out over the ridge, overlooking the town of Otley, before dropping steeply down again to Guiseley Primary School and the hotly contested sprint to the finish.

“I was very pleased to see so many happy people finish the race – and very relieved there weren’t any major incidents!

“All of the competitors had massive smiles at the finish and there were lots of very complimentary comments from the runners, one of whom said: ‘This is my favourite race of the year: so well organised and such a great atmosphere’.

“The course was quite muddy, which the runners expect and enjoy. It was a warm, dry day and a couple of thousand spectators came along to watch the spectacle.”

Many of the entrants had taken inspiration from the festive season for their fancy dress choices, which included elves, fairies and Christmas puddings.

The first man across the finishing line was Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers AC, in 38 minutes, 50 seconds - within two minutes of the course record held by Olympian Alistair Brownlee.

The first woman to cross was Helen Thurston, also of Ilkley Harriers, in 46 minutes and 4 seconds – also within two minutes of the women’s course record. Their success capped a great day for the Ilkley club as four of the first six men, and four of the first seven women, were members.