By Steven Dawson
This week has been another interesting week for Aycliffe Running Club taking in some scenic and exotic locations across the UK and beyond.
The week started on Saturday with one member travelling around the globe to take part in the Lost City Half Marathon which started in the ancient Maya city of Palenque in Mexico, which is the location of a large archaeological site.
It was an early start with the race starting a 7am with the first 3k of the trail race being up and down, with some uneven steps and jungle type areas.
Luckily, the only wild animals the runners had to contend with were howler monkeys which stayed in the trees.
The trails opened up towards the end of the race although the conditions on the day were very hot and humid.
Judith Porter completed this amazing race in a time of 3hrs 1min 35 secs finishing in a very good 40th place.
On Sunday, one member took part in the Wild Deer Derwent Reservoir 5 mile trail race.
Ian Stothard was the sole representative for the club finishing in a time of 1:06:25. At the same time David Stothard took part in the 10 mile trail race finishing in a time of 1:45:20.
At the same time, two members travelled to London for the London Winter Run, which is an event aimed at raising vital funds for Cancer Research. Steve Williams (56:57) and Viv Williams (1:03:42) both competed in the 10k race, raising £560 between them for charity with the race raising close to £800,000 in total. Amazing from both of them.
A special mention for three members of our Junior Section who set new club records in the last year.
Max, Henry and Will were recently presented with a certificate to recognise their achievements. It shows that the future is bright with the Junior Section.
On Saturday, 31 members started their weekend with a parkrun, taking in the Edinburgh, Durham, Sedgefield, Hackworth, Hartlepool, Victoria Dock, Blyth Links and Wynyard Woodland events.
At Edinburgh, Carley Cooper (29:22), Jean-Pierre Hupin (29:22) and Em Flynn (32:26) completed the event for the first time followed by a nice mile along the iconic Forth Road Bridge.
The club attended Durham as the next stop on its parkrun tourism with Jimmy Agnew (22:09), Trevor Agnew (23:30), Tamara Kirk (27:28), David Stothard (28:06), Alan Kellett (30:54), Kathleen Tonge (30:55), Richard Tonge (in a new PB for the course of 31:03), Anne Kellett (31:41), and Ian Stothard (44:21) all taking part.
At Hackworth, Cath McDonnell (25:59), completed her 250th ever parkrun for this course which is an amazing achievement. Steve Williams (27:08) and Viv Williams (31:23) completed the event at Victoria Dock for the first time using it as a warm up for their race the following day.
At Blyth Links Shaun Dodd (22:20) set a new personal best for the course.
If you are feeling inspired and are interested in joining the club, you can turn up for one of our sessions. Or visit ayclifferunningclub.org.uk.
