By Paul Dalton
Saturday morning saw the return of parkrun to the North-East, after most events were wiped out by Storm Arwen last week.
Members turned out at events held at Darlington South Park, Hackworth, Keswick, Sedgefield, York and Marshall Drive in Brotton, near Saltburn.
There were no significant milestones achieved this week – perhaps everyone was keeping their powder dry for the latest cross-country race later in the weekend.
There was also a 5K race taking place on Saturday morning, as the Darlington Harriers and Athletics Club hosted their annual race at the Croft Motor Circuit.
Carley Cooper was the only member of the club to take part in the race, finishing her run in 26:02.
Elsewhere on Saturday morning, Sandra Rudd was taking on the York Yuletide Trail race, hosted by See York Run York.
Unfortunately, the original course had to be rerouted on the day due to a ‘bovine-related incident’.
Unperturbed by this last-minute change, Sandra completed the race in 1:04:43, and was rewarded with a medal and plenty of chocolate for her trouble!
Sunday morning saw the latest races being held at the Dalton Park Retail Outlet.
Hosted by Run Durham, a 5K and 10K option was available. Ian Stothard took on the Dalton Park Winter 5K, completing the race in 32:54. Taking part in the Dalton Park Winter 10K race, David Stothard crossed the line in 1:00:18.
On Sunday afternoon the latest cross-country (XC) fixture in the North Yorkshire and South Durham (NYSD) League took place at Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool.
Inclement conditions prior to the races ensured a suitably challenging cross-country course.
Kelly Dickinson was the club’s sole female representative in the Ladies Race and completed the 4.6K course in a time of 28:01.
In the Over 65 Veteran Men’s race, which took place over the same distance, Trevor Needham was the second runner home overall, crossing the line in 21:41.
Kevin Greenall had a good run in the Over 70 Veteran Men’s race, also over 4.6K, finishing in third place overall in a time of 26:36
In the Senior and Veteran Men’s race, which took place over 8.9K, club captain John Firby secured a top ten finish (8th) crossing the line in 35:52.
Dez Fielden was the club’s next runner home in 37:53, and Dez was tracked all the way by Paul Dalton, who finished just ten seconds behind him in 38:03.
Richard Campbell was the next Aycliffe runner to cross the line, in a time of 40:09, with Matthew Heron (43:40) and Stuart Joyce (48:10) completing the club’s initial six counters.
Shaun Dodd had another solid run, finishing in 48:43, followed closely by Richard Holland (49:47) and Peter Jarps (51:25).
If you have any queries about the activities of Aycliffe Running Club, visit www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk, or contact the Club’s Secretary, Donna, at [email protected].
