ST HELENS Striders were back in action after the new year and the racing has commenced in full swing again with the first half marathon of the year at Helsby four villages.

Daniel Fegan crossed the line in 1:36:21 followed by Peter Medlicott in 1:53:27, Cherryl Orrick 1:54:57 and Katie Taggart 2:05:46.

A little more off road terrain was the Ashurst Beacon hilly fell race which was a very tough and muddy run but completed by four Striders.

The first to finish was Kev Brennan in a time of 45:10 followed by David Navis in 54:02, Paul Stupples 59:00 and Gary Ward 1:04:17.