By Paul Dalton
Twenty-eight members started their weekend with a parkrun last Saturday.
The largest turnout from the club was at Sedgefield, though we were also represented at Darlington South Park, Hackworth, Hartlepool, Herrington, the Town Moor and York parkruns.
The only member to claim a parkrun personal best (PB) this week was Rob Young, who improved on his best time at Herrington parkrun, crossing the line in 20:13.
On Saturday night, Richard Holland and Simon Turner took on the Chopwell Woods Moon Runner event, hosted by Greener Miles Running.
This 10K Trail Race took place through the woods at dusk, meaning headtorches were a must. Richard completed the race in 51:28, with Simon not far behind in 55:46.
Sunday saw several members heading down to Yorkshire in search of fast times at the Leeds Abbey Dash.
This 10K race is renowned for its quick, out-and-back course, and Dez Fielden will certainly have been pleased to have made the journey as he finished the race in 36:00, setting a new club record for the distance in the M45-49 age category.
Next across the line for the club was Stuart Joyce in 42:36, with Dave Blewitt not far behind in 44:06.
Peter Smith had an excellent run, completing the race in 48:30, with Trish Kay finishing in 50:01, and Carley Cooper crossing the line in 54:00.
In the more picturesque surroundings of Hamsterley Forest, Ian Stothard was also out running on Sunday morning, taking on Forestry England’s Forest Runner 5K.
The route featured a beautiful circuit north of the Euden Beck, taking in some of the highest points in this part of the valley, and offering a tough challenge over the relatively short distance. Ian completed his run in 36:40.
We were well-represented at the latest NYSD XC fixture, which took place at Foxrush Community Woodland in Redcar later on Sunday morning.
In the Ladies Race, which comprised two laps of the course, totaling 6K, Melanie Rowland was the first member of the club home in 35:37, followed by Kelly Dickinson, who had a great run, in 37:19.
Penny Johnson completed the course in 39:44, with Sam Baronowski finishing in 43:13, Susan Clark in 46:48, and Jan McLuckie in 50:16.
The Men’s Race took in an extra lap, which extended the distance to 8.9K.
Male club captain John Firby led the way for the team, finishing in 35:11, with Andrew Sedgewick next across the line for the club in 38:50.
The ever-confusing pair of Shaun Dodd and Shaun Dodds completed the race in 43:34 and 45:56 respectively, with David Stothard bringing the team home in 48:46.
