Aycliffe Running club members turned out for the recent Great North Run half marathon on Sunday 11 September.
The 13.1-mile course starts in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields.
First home for the club was Tommy Scott in 1.37.07, he was followed in John Burnside, who was running in his 36th Great North Run, completing the course in 1.43.48. Next came Martha Mcbarron in 1.51.16, Rob Jayne in 1.51.56, Claire O’Conner in 1.53.05, Gary O’Conner in 1.53.05, Sandra Collins in 1.54.29, Mandy Heywood in 1.57.11, John Heywood in 1.57.27, Steve Smith in 2.09, Dave Blewitt in 2.09, Sam Ewell in 2.17.34, Dean Barclay in 2.20.30, Lisa Dowell in 2.20.35, Craig Robinson in 2.29.05, Julie Nisbet in 2.29.05, Diane Savage in 2.43.04 and Penny Johnson in 2.43.04.
On 15 September three members of the club turned out for the final summer Tees Trail series of 5k races, which took place at Cowpen Bewley. Dave Blewitt was first home for the club and 25th overall in a time of 22:22, followed by Steve Smith, placing 28th in a time of 22:41 and Alan Wilks placing 33rd in a time of 23:23. Being the final race in the series, overall series prizes were presented. These were awarded Ray Todd, Anne Kellett and John Burnside.
Sunday 18 September club runners participated in Sedgefield Serpentine 6.5 mile trail race (pictured above).
The undulating scenic off-road route was multi-terrain on gravel paths, tarmac and across fields. The run started at Sedgefield Cricket Club and headed across the field and through the underpass into Hardwick Park then across to Bishop Middleham, back over Knotty Hill golf course into Hardwick Park and back to finish at the cricket club. Weather was bright and sunny.
First home for the club was Dez Fielden coming in 8th overall in 40:19. He was followed by Dave Blewitt in 48:35, Martha McBarron in 51:51 and placing 1st in her category of female over 55, Roger Haslett (a new member) in 53:16, Michelle Zamir in 53:29, Trish Kay in 54:43, Nick Gilling in 57:35, Gary Minns in 58:33, Angela Barrett in 60:51, Judith Porter in 63:14 and Susan Clark in 69:28.