OFFICIALS of Ripon's 10k Jolly Holly Jog came close to breaking with tradition and changing the date of their annual race when it fell on New Year's Eve.

Ripon Runners, whose chairman Peter Carver spearheaded organisation of the event, were told few people would bother to turn out so close to New Year celebrations.

But the club eventually stuck to its guns and the 12-year-old race went ahead with a record-breaking entry of 390.

So many wanted to take part that 90 would-be competitors had to be turned away when the official limit was exceeded.

"We have always held the event on the first Sunday after Christmas, but some people had serious doubts about that when it fell on New Year's Eve. We were told very few people were entered, but in the end we were simply amazed that so many people wanted to take part," said Mr Carver.

A hard frost and slippery conditions made for difficult going on parts of the course, which left Ripon cricket ground, went through the Studley Royal estate, over the Seven Bridges, down Whitcliffe Lane and back through Ripon to the cricket ground for a final circuit.

There was only one minor casualty - an injured lip - when a runner fell on a steep hill left treacherous by the frost.

First home was Darlington's Nigel Orr (34 minutes 41 seconds), second was Andrew Wade from Ilkley (35.29) and third was Mike Siddall from Pocklington (35.41).

The shield for the best local finisher went to Harrogate runner Paul Stockburn, who came home in fifth place.

First three home in the women's section were: Emma Latto (Hearne Hill) 39.10; Alison Raw (Darlington) 39.54; Diane Kitchen (Ilkley) 43.13.

In tandem with the main race was a fun run which attracted a record entry of 80.

Results. - Male, overall: 1 Nigel Orr (Darlington) 34:41; 2 Andrew Wade (Ilkley) 35:29; 3 Mike Siddall (Pocklington) 35:41; 4 Paul Guy (Newton Aycliffe); 5 Paul Stockburn (Harrogate); 6 Steven O'Neill (Skyrac); 7 Dan Brooks (Richmond and Zetland).

O/40: 1 Michael Brunskill (Quakers); 2 Tim Inglehearn (Harrogate); 3 Paul Tennant (St Theresa's); 4 Paul Kelly (Darlington).

O/45: 1 David Wilkinson (Bingley); 2 John Robinson (Road Runners); 3 Keith Richardson (Quakers); 4 Michael Brook (Pickering).

O/50: 1 Chris Gill (St Theresa's); 2 John Wagstaff (Knavesmire); 3 Mike McGrath (Knavesmire).

O/55: 1 Michael Smith (Bingley); 2 Geoffrey Howard (Ilkley).

O/60: 1 Mike Mahoney (St Bedes); 2 Norman Bush (Ilkley).

First local male: Paul Stockburn. First male team: Ilkley.

Female, overall: 1 Emma Latto (Herne Hill) 39:10; 2 Alison Raw (Darlington) 39:54; 3 Diane Kitchen (Ilkley) 43:13; 4 Julia Atkinson (Darlington).

O/35: 1 Diane Craven (Aire Centre Pacers); 2 Karen Wardle.

O/40: 1 Christine Shouksmith (Knavesmire); 2 Jackie Ackroyd (Harrogate); 3 Veronica Mackay (Knavesmire).

O/45: 1 Pat Boden (Knavesmire); 2 Hillary Hepworth (U/A).

O/50: 1 Margaret Metcalfe (Knavesmire); 2 Moira Lenerghan (Cross Gates); 3 Pauline Hardman (St Theresa's).

First female team: Knavesmire.

Ripon Runners who competed were Pete Wright (43:17), Cliff Thomson (51:45), Claire Mumford (54:36), Dave Dowson (56:01), Stephen Parkinson (56:29), Eleanor Rutter (58:39), Bob Smith (59:32), Monty Munson (60:45)