It proved to be an ultra-successful return to racing for North Herts Road Runners - in more way than one.

Having had so long away from racing action, marathons and ultra-marathons may not have been some people's idea of a good starting point - but not the Squirrels.

Mike Bullock and Susan Mansfield took on the North Downs Ridge 50k ultra, starting at Box Hill and heading along the North Downs Way.

The Comet: Mike Bullock of North Herts Road Runners at the North Downs Ridge 50km ultra.Mike Bullock of North Herts Road Runners at the North Downs Ridge 50km ultra. (Image: North Herts Road Runners)

Bullock said: "It was one of the most beautiful and hilly ultras we’ve done.”

Also keen to notch up some racing miles were Andy Grudzinski, Michelle Grudzinksi and Jo Summers, who took on the Wickhambrook marathon in Suffolk.

The mixed road and trail route was slightly longer than the normal marathon distance but despite this, all three recorded excellent marathon times, Summers in four hours nine minutes and the Grudzinskis 4:49, a PB for Andy.

Four more ran the Great Barrow marathon, also in Suffolk.

Sue Foot ran 4:53:57 in her 150th marathon while Lucy O'Connor clocked 4:21:13 in her first.

Yuko Gordon managed 4:07:58 while Andrew Porter finished in 5:14:32 despite having a hairline rib fracture, sustained one week earlier.