Aycliffe club runners participated in the Ropner 5k trail race, part of the Stockton Summer Trail Series.
Conditions were ideal for running. The outstanding performances came from John Surtees, who was first home for the club in a time of in 17:23, placing him third overall and Tracey Surtees who was fourth female overall in a time of 20:12.
There was also some age category wins: John Burnside in 21:49, placing him first in the male over 50s, Cyd Denise in 22:53 placing her first female over 50 and Ray Todd in 30:14 placing him first male over 75.
The other Aycliffe runners came in with the following times; Richard Campbell in 18:40, Martyn Knox in 20:10, Lee Wren in 20:18, Stephen Smith in 21:15, Dave Blewitt in 21:36, Rob Jayne in 22:09, Angela Barret in 24:53, Alan Kellett in 27:21, Anne Kellett in 29:12 and Donna Campbell in 30:14.
Earlier, club runners participated in the challenging Whorlton fell race. Runners described the course as 11k of hell.
After the first mile it’s a vertical climb to get to the top of the moor, the incline is so steep that you can’t run and you instead clamber up on your hands and knees.
Once at the top the course then takes you through heather and onto trails, then onto a hellish descend for a mile. Conditions were perfect for runners.
First home for the club was Mark Wade in an impressive time of 48.29, then came John Burnside in 59.26, Michelle Zamir was first lady back for the club in 59.33, then Cyd Denise in 61.16, Robert Jayne in 64.45, Rob Nicholson in 73.23, Julie Nisbet in 75.13 and Craig Robinson in 89.33. This was the first time Craig has participated in a fell race.
Alan Wilks took part in the recent North East Masters track and field champs at Monkton stadium. He was placed first in his category of over 65 in the 1500m, completing the race in 5.58. He came first in his category in the 800m, completing the course in 3.09. He also participated in the 3000m, and was well in the lead, and looking like a hat trick. Unfortunately he stopped a lap short thinking he had completed the race, only to realise there was one lap remaining, so he had to re-join the pack at the end, meaning he came in last position.
The Lambton 10K was held on Sunday 26th June. The race is set in the beautiful grounds of the private Lambton Estate surrounding Lambton Castle.
It is an undulating mixed terrain route which includes woodland paths, tarmac lanes and some grass sections. There is also a tough grassy ascent at approximately 8.5K. The ground was muddy and slippery in places but weather was good for running.
First home for Aycliffe was Mark Wade 9th position in a time of 39:07, followed by Dave Blewitt in 47:33, Rob Jayne in 48.01, Trish Kay in 51:54 and Susan Clark in 66.38. There were 458 runners in the 10K and there was also a 3K fun run.
• Pictured (above, left to right): John Burnside, Michelle Zamir, Rob Jayne (back row), Cyd Denise, Rob Nicholson, Mark Wade, Julie Nisbet, Craig Robinson at the Whorlton fell race.
