Video: Auld Lang Syne fell race runners brave icy conditions

Alistair Brownlee was the winner of the Auld Lang Syne race as fell runners braved the icy conditions at Penistone Hill, near Haworth.

The event attracts both elite runners and those taking part in a fancy dress competition meaning the field yesterday had everything from Olympians to ostriches and for everyone who made it to the finish line there was a free bottle of Daleside beer.

The route had to be changed this year because of the icy conditions but this did not deter fell runners from taking part.

Alistair Brownlee has been competing in the race for more than ten years.

In 2005 he was the under 18s winner and in 2014 he came over the line in first place, following triumphs in 2007, 2009 and 2011.Posting on Twitter he said he had enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Auld Lang Syne race.

His brother Jonny, who won the race back in 2012, was also on the podium yesterday finishing in third place.

The Brownlees were joined by fellow triathlete Mark Buckingham.

The Holmfirth Harrier, who is the current British triathlete champion, came in second while Ian Holmes who dominated the race for more than a decade having won it 11 times in a row came in fourth.

Helen Berry, who is also from the Holmfirth Harriers won the women’s race.

It was the second time the Brownlees had competed locally since Christmas. They finished first and second in the Chevin Chase which takes place on Boxing Day in Guiseley.

Jonny had been hoping to win the event for the fifth year in succession but it was Alistair who became a five time winner following up his past victories in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

After the race Jonny posted on Twitter: “Nice to burn the Christmas turkey off with the Chevin Chase. @AliBrownleetri took my title!”

Alistair and Jonny’s rise to fame peaked at the 2012 London Olympics where they won gold and bronze in the triathlon.