THE 2016 Silsden New Year’s Day Resolution Fun Run was a shock to the system in more ways than one.

The day was colder than recent mild winter temperatures and, of course, it was the morning after the night before!

Despite this double whammy of hurdles, 79 hardened souls turned up in their varying forms of fancy dress to take on the hilly three-mile road run. Given recent conditions, competitors and their supporters were grateful for fine weather.

Silsden’s own Dave Kirkham won the race in 17min 23sec, blaming one too many Proseccos the night before for his slow time!

It meant the record time of 15.25, set by David Throup, many years ago remains safe. Second across the line was Silsden’s Gareth Hird (18.25) ahead of Sutton’s Ian Willis (19.08).

First lady was Steeton’s Sarah O’Sullivan in 20.35, just outside the record time of 18.18, set by Carol Greenwood.

Second lady was Katherine Kirkham (22.03), keeping podium finishes in the family, while Hellifield’s Lyn Whittaker was third in 23.56.

The first junior boy across the line was Silsden’s Sam Smith, in fifth place overall (19.14) and the first junior girl was Farnhill’s Lucy Fryers (22.49).

Many fun run traditions were continued this year. The fancy dress theme of nightwear proved as popular as ever and could enable runners to roll out of bed and on to the start line, if they so chose.

In addition, event founder Paul Buckley and run favourite Pete Metcalfe completed their 32nd runs, maintaining 100 per cent participation since the annual run began.

Fourteen year old Logan Hargreaves-Madcompleted his 12th consecutive run, while birthday boys Trevor Metcalfe and Benji Grundy again celebrated in style by taking part in the run.

The presentation took place in the Sunnybank Social Club, when all competitors received a certificate and prize.

As is tradition, the monies raised were donated to a worthy cause.

This year £220 will be handed over to the Burnley Road Academy Primary School in Mytholmroyd.

The school was devastated in the Boxing Day floods and its pupils are to be schooled elsewhere until at least June.