The arrival of proper winter weather led to a spate of cancellations over the first weekend of December, with the unprecedented cancelling of a cross-country race due to frozen ground - at Marl Pits - resulting in some frustrated runners.

The postponed fixture at Sherdley Park added further salt to the wound.

Nevertheless, there was a smattering of races which went ahead across the region, despite the Arctic wind blowing in snow and frost.

Suzanne Budgett braved the snow in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday, competing in the Really Wild Boar fell race near Kirkby Stephen.

Just toeing the start line was victory enough for many, as the snowfall and sub-zero temperatures made the narrow, ungritted lanes treacherous.

Poor visibility on the tops and the landscape being covered in a blanket of snow made navigation an issue for some runners.

Budgett covered the five- mile course, including 1,401 feet of climbing, in 1hr 8mins 55sces - good enough for second FV60.

Those days are the ones where the post-race cuppa tastes like nectar.

It was not the weather, but the distance of the race, that tested the two Harriers competing in the Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

Mike Hampson started at a good pace, ticking off the first 10km in a brisk 37:11.

Unfortunately for him, his recurring thigh niggle soon made itself known again and he was forced to slow down.

He still managed to finish in a very respectable 2:51:06, barely 10 minutes slower than his Manchester time from March.

Simon Bruton had enjoyed a solid block of training in the lead up, with few setbacks and some 100-mile weeks in the bank.

He was hoping to improve on his time of 2:40:10 from Manchester in March.

He looked well on track to duck under 2:40:00 as he cruised through halfway in 1:17:57.

However, he tailed off his target pace with six miles to go, as the 26.2-mile distance took its toll.

Bruton’s finishing time of 2:41:13 still gives him two of the three fastest marathon times in the club this year, so hardly a snail’s pace!

Entries are now open for the 2024 Rivington Pike Fell Race and to celebrate the club’s centenary. Horwich Harriers are pulling out all the stops.

The total prize pot will be in excess of £4,000, with a large cash prize for both course records as well as for the individual podiums and leading teams.

Local shoe brand, Walsh, have also generously offered spot prizes throughout the race, so everyone in the field has a chance of winning something.

It is a good entry point to fell racing for many, with its short, easily-navigable course and usually good underfoot conditions (many choose to run it in road shoes).

Anyone interested in taking part next year can enter online on the Mad Bull Events site.