IRVINE Running Club hosted the annual Cyclists vs Harriers race from Marress Playing Fields on Sunday, December 18.

This unique test of wheels versus feet has been held annually in Irvine since the 1950's and it is believed to be the only race of its kind in Scotland.

The race is traditionally held on the Sunday before Christmas and there is always a big festive atmosphere at the event. A decent field of 99 competitors contested the 2016 race over a course which starts with a lap of the Marress field. It then heads up onto Irvine Moor for a challenging cross-country section before a final lap at Marress.

Firm ground seemed to be favouring the cyclists this year with Brian Yates of Carrick Cycles, Steven Currie of Glasgow Ivy Cycling and JP Baxter of Ayr Burners Cycling Club racing away from the best the runners had to offer in Ayrshire Cross Country Champion, Richard Mair, of Kilmarnock, Darren Tom of New Marske Harriers and host club favourite, Billy Richardson.

As the race wore on Yates began to show that he is a class act at cyclocross as he stretched away to win by more than a minute in 25 minutes and 16 seconds. Currie, Baxter and Mair had their own battle for second, third and fourth as they finished in 26:21, 26:45 and 26:46 respectively.

Thom was the second runner home in 27:11 and Richardson finished as first over 40 runner in 27:24. The best woman cyclist was Catherine Logan of Fullarton Wheelers in 32:08 and the best woman runner was Natalie Stevenson of Fusion Triathlon Club in 32:28.

There were some other fine performances from the host club. Paul Lafferty came home 19th in 30:01 while Colin Whitby was 22nd in 30:38. Alex Allardyce had a fine day, finishing 23rd in 30:44 and Jamie Findlay took 26th in 31:07. Graeme McFarlane was 46th in 33:52 and Jim Sneddon came home 50th in 34:19.

Irvine Running Club and Ron's Runners will again jointly host their Christmas Handicap event from Irvine Sports Club on Tuesday, December 27 with a 1pm start.

All runners from both clubs and any guest runners who are in the Irvine area for Christmas are welcome.