MORE than a thousand runners stepped out onto York’s streets despite this morning's rain for the Brass Monkey Half Marathon.

The race which set off from York Racecourse and took in Acaster Selby, Appleton Roebuck and back through Bishopthorpe made a triumphant return today after last year’s event had to be cancelled amid heavy snow.

Organisers from the York Knavesmire Harriers running club, who put on the race, said they were thrilled to see it go ahead once again.

Around 1500 runners took part, and committee member Andy Neale said the race had a great atmosphere.

“We had a great finish area with an announcer this year, and some fantastic marshalls out on the route.”

Holmfirth AC runner Matthew Pierson took top honours, finishing the 13-mile course in 1 hr 10 mins 19 secs.

Second place went to Matthew John in 1 hr 10 mins 36 secs, and third to Daniel Jenkin, from Durham City Harriers and AC, in 1 hr 11 mins 1 sec.

Among the top female runners was Jilly Woodthorp, from Barnsley, who was the fastest woman, with 1 hr 15 mins 58 secs. Second place went to Helen Cross, from Pocklington, in 1 hr 21 mins 38 secs and third was taken by Victoria Gibbs, of Wallsend AC, in 1 hr 22 mins 4 secs.

The first York runner home was Dennis Speck in 1 hr 12 mins 36 secs.