Running THE Ely Runners were out in force for the latest leg of the Frostbite Friendly League held at Whitemoor Prison, in March.

In the senior race, a record 35 club members turned out to compete amid a field of 400 other competitors from clubs across the county, including Hunts AC, Werrington and Fenland.

In particularly cold and frosty conditions, the team put in a solid performance, with Tom Bracegirdle (26mins 22secs), Gary Wilberforce (27mins 2secs) and Martin Ineson (28mins 8secs) finishing second, fifth and 11th respectively.

The ever-improving Daniel Waite ran well throughout to finish up in 35th place in 30mins 37secs and he was closely followed by Conan Fryer in 39th place.

Matt Holmes (50th), Graham Chapman (54nd) and Steve Tovey (53rd) ran close together for most of the race, with Matt leading the way for the first three miles. As Matt tired, the other two pushed on but Matt clung on and was able to sprint past them in last 100m.

Peter Harris maintained his lead over Lionel Smith in their own battle this season. Melanie Wiffin ran well to be first lady home and Alison Blaney made the scoring team for the second race running. With good finishes in both races, the senior team sit in sixth place in the league after the first four races of the series.

In the junior race, 13 members took part in a total field of 153. Michael Ford (9mins 1 sec) and AJ Ellwood (9mins 7secs) both ran particularly well to finish in seventh and eighth place respectively.

Niamh Webb was first girl home for Ely in 11mins 20secs. The junior team sit 5th in their league table.