The penultimate race in the Mountain Hardwear Open5 Winter Series saw 287 competitors line-up on the start line in Bakewell, the heart of the Peak District, on Sunday.

High5 races are held at different locations across the UK and competitors are given a map and five hours to visit as many of the marked control points as possible – some controls can only be collected by mountain bike, others only on foot.

Racers opt to either cycle or run first and most competitors play to their strengths and choose their strongest discipline first. The off-road trails in the area provided tough ascent and swooping descents through the countryside, climbing from one escarpment to the next collecting points en-route.

Bikes were then exchanged for running shoes or vice versa, with the run just as challenging following trails that ran alongside the river or next to the railway line.

The event was hailed a success, with great weather, spectacular venue, superb scenery and great tracks and trails. A handful of competitors managed to clean up the entire course – a credit to their swift navigation and route choices.

And, after the event, one competitor was heard commenting that the route offered an unexpected safari element as they had passed through a llama farm and then through herds of deer in the land surrounding Chatsworth, with a scattering of sheep, too.

Event planner and adventure racer Ian Hughes said: “You only had to see all the smiling faces to see what a great day everyone had in the Peak District National Park.”

The final Open5 race of the season will take place on April 3 in Grizedale, the Lake District. Head to www.openadventure.com for more information or to enter.