By Paul Dalton
Undoubtedly the most popular race amongst members this week was the Pie and Peas 5K Trail Race, which took place in Trimdon on Wednesday, June 30.
Serving as one of the club’s Championship races, it meant that valuable points were up for grabs.
Set off in waves to ensure the race remained Covid-secure, members had to negotiate woodlands, farm fields and the occasional stile en route.
Fastest on the night was John Firby in 18:24, and he was closely followed by John Surtees in 18:26. Paul Dalton finished in 18:59, with Gareth Kyle next home in 20:28.
After his marathon exploits just a few days earlier, Andy Talbut finished in a creditable 21:04, enough to secure second place in his age category (M60).
Peter Tennick completed his run in 22:27, with Paul Rands hot on his heels in 22:36.
Despite a detour and a fall, Justin Hindmarch finished in 26:48, with David Stothard coming home in 27:49.
Trish Kay finished in third place in her age category (F60), in a time of 28:07, and she was followed by Steph Colvin (29:02) and Bev Phillippo (30:50), who was just three seconds ahead of Kelly Dickinson (30:53).
Eve Doe crossed the line in 31:25, followed by Jayne Rudd (32:32), Christina Lambert (33:56), Sandra RUDD (35:41) and Marie Rudd (38:34).
Members were rewarded for their hard work after the race with a portion of pie and peas!
On Saturday, July 3, Colin Gibson (pictured above) took on the Blackpool Beach 10K, which started at the Giant Mirrorball on the South Promenade and headed out along the beach towards St. Anne’s. Colin completed his run in 58:40.35.
Sunday, July 4, saw one of the more popular races on the local race calendar, the Great North 10K, which sees runners follow an out and back route along the south side of the River Tyne, before climbing the ‘Slog on the Tyne’ and finishing in the Gateshead Stadium. David Stothard completed his second race of the week, finishing his run in 57:49.
If you have any queries about the activities of Aycliffe Running Club, please visit our website www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk, or contact the club’s secretary, Donna, at [email protected].