By Steven Dawson
It has been another very busy week for Aycliffe Running Club with some unique races taking place and also some exceptional performances.
On Saturday, one member took part in a very unique race, the Pilgrims Ultra, running 50km (32 miles) following in the footsteps of Saints and Kings along the stunning route of St Oswald’s Way, taking in some of Northumberland’s finest scenery.
Starting on Holy Island, Paul Dalton took part in the event which finished in Craster.
Despite suffering from cramping after 17 miles, Paul managed to keep on going, showing great determination and pushed through to finish the event in an excellent time of 6:54:59.
On the same day, it saw the return of cross country with the first race in the Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League with the first fixture taking place at Thornley.
The club was represented in the Under 11 boy’s race with Will Allison (6:13) finishing in an excellent third place and Jospeh Ashmore (7:45) also representing the club.
On Sunday, one member took part in the Beck Busters 10k set in Bishop Monkton. Andrew Tweddle (53:57) was the sole representative for the club.
On the same day, one member made the long trip to Inverness in Scotland to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon.
This saw runners, run 26.2 mile along the east side of Loch Ness.
The marathon and is regarded as quite possibly one of the most stunning marathons in the world, with spectacular scenery, a fantastic atmosphere and a truly memorable experience. Richard Campbell was the sole representative for the club finishing in an excellent time of 3:13:46.
At the same time, two members travelled to Berlin in Germany to take part in one the best marathons in the world, the 50th ever Berlin Marathon.
Trevor Dixon ran a superb race, finishing in a new club record of 2:45:36 in the men’s 40-44 category taking over 6 minutes off his previous best.
Helen Boyd (6:13:04) also completed the event, running an excellent race.
Helen completed this race as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal.
This is something that is awarded for runners who complete all six major marathons, with Helen now half way there on three stars and well on her way.
On Saturday, September 21, 44 members started their weekend with a parkrun.
At Albert Park, Trevor Needham (22:22) set a new PB for the course along with Shaun Dodd (23:20) and Rob Nicholson (26:35). Thomas Heywood (23:10) and Judith Porter both completed the course for the first time.
At Carlisle, Yvonne Wood (37:22) completed the course for the first time.
At Sedgefield, Jimmy Agnew (21:52) and Trevor Agnew (24:23) both completed the course for the first time.
At Hackworth, Rob Young (20:50) finished second. Mark Bainbridge (22:57) set a new PB at Penrith. And at Keswick, Tracey Pickering (39:09) and Cliff Pickering (41:04) both completed the course for the first time.
At Dalby Forest, Sandrine Hewitt (29:23), Richard Tonge (31:15) and Kathleen Tonge (36:00) all completed the course for the first time.
This was also Sandrine’s 50th ever parkrun. At Isobel Trail, Steve Williams (25:54) and Viv Williams (1:02:21 whilst volunteering as tail walker) both completed the course for the first time.
A special mention for Matt Heron (22:46) who completed the course at Bear Creek Greenbelt in America.
Luckily, there were no bears present on the run. At Yarborough Leisure Centre, Linda McNamee (32:54) completed the course for the first time.
At Wynyard Woodland, Deborah Kell (35:54) completed the course for the first time.
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
