DOZENS of runners and cyclists took part in the first ever adventure racing weekend held in the Durham Dales.

Around 200 outdoor pursuits enthusiasts from all over the UK competed in the two-day iROC racing event at the former Weardale Cement works at Eastgate, County Durham over the weekend.

Competitors took part in mountain biking races, fell running, and orienteering events in the countryside surrounding the La Farge site.

A scaffolding bridge was constructed at the site specifically for the event, and many competitors camped on the site.

Race director Shane Ohly, who spent almost five months planning the weekend, said: "It is really exciting to see everything come into fruition, a lot of hard work has gone into planning the event and preparing the racing tracks."

Gerry Stallard, landlord of the Cross Keys in Eastgate, who ran the bar at the event, said: "The event with grow in popularity each year and benefit the whole of the Dale by bringing more visitors in."

Running shoe specialist inov8, based in Crook, organised the event with funding from Wear Valley District Council.