By Steven Dawson
This week’s report focuses on one of the most iconic races to take place in the region, The Great North Run.
This half marathon of just over 13 miles, took place on 11 September and started close to the Town Moor in Newcastle, finishing on the sea front at South Shields.
Due to the pandemic it was the first time in three years that the usual route had been used.
Twenty Aycliffe runners took part in the race, which is a fantastic representation in the race
A special mention must go to John Burnside who completed his 41st Great North Run and continuing his remarkable achievement of completing every one.
John is one of a select number of people who have achieved this and continues to be an inspiration to us all. He managed to complete the event in a time of 2:17:45.
Other runners that took part included Gareth Kyle who was first back for the club in an excellent time of 1:22:45.
He was closely followed by Dez Fielden in a time of 1:23:46. Next back was Daniel Tatham who finished in a time of 1:45:40 which was also a new personal best.
He was followed by Kevin Tatham in a time of 1:57:22. Richie Johnson was next back, finishing in a time of 1:58:03. He was closely followed by Mark Bainbridge in a time of 2:02:19.
Andrew Lumley was next back in a time of 2:05:02. He was followed by Jayne Rudd in a time of 2:05:44.
She was followed by Samantha Harding in a time of 2:11:13 and Stephanie Colvin, who finished in a time of 2:12:58.
Next back was Carley Gibson, finishing in a time of 2:16:12. She was followed by Kirsty Cameron who finished in 2:24:23 and Heather Morgan, who finished in a time of 2:29:33. Nicola Ingman was next back, in a time of 2:33:53.
She was followed by Helen Boyd, finishing in a time of 2:31:07. Next back was Judith Porter who finished in a time of 2:36:36. She was followed by Eve Doe who finished in a time of 2:38:35.
Natalie Sommerville was next back, finishing in a time of 2:48:27. Next back was Marie Rudd and Sandra Rudd, running together coming back in times of 3:58:56 and 3:58:57.
The results are now available from the Stanhope 10 miler, which is a very tough run around the hills of Stanhope.
There were five runners taking part with Paul Dalton first back for the club in a time of 1:07:10.
He was followed by Richard Campbell who finished in a time of 1:18:08. Next back was Daniel Tatham who finished in a time of 1:24:16. Richard Trowles was next back, finishing in a time of 1:26:13 and Jayne Rudd, who finished in a time of 1:46:02.
On August 19, one member took part in the illuminating Run the Lights 5k along Blackpool Illuminations. John Richardson finished the race in a time of 30:55
On September 10, two members took part in the Castleton Show run of approximately 6 miles.
First back for the club was Martyn Knox in a time of 49:14 with Trish Kay finishing in a time of 56:34 and first female 60.
On September 14, eight members took part in the seventh and final race in the Darlington Trail Series. This was the Baydale Beck 5k run.
First back for the club was Paul Dalton finishing second in a time of 18:45. This also helped Paul to finish second over the seven races and a fantastic achievement. Second back was Daniel Tatham finishing in a time of 24:03.
He was followed by Clare Stradling who finished in a time of 24:43. Next back was David Stothard, finishing in a time of 26:40. He was followed by Melanie Rowland in a time of 30:55.
Tracey Pickering was next back, finishing in a time of 36:24. She was closely followed by Ian Stothard in a time of 36:58. Cliff Pickering was next back in a time of 38:31.
On September 18, five members took part in the Sedgefield Serpentine 10k.
John Firby was first back for the club finishing in a time of 40.16. He was followed by Dez Fielden in a time of 41.10 and David Stothard in a time of 57:29. Trish Kay was next back in a time of 57.41, along with Richard Tonge in 75:13.
On the same day, one member took part in the Matfen 10k, which is a hilly course set in beautiful countryside with views across Northumberland. Judith Porter managed to complete the course in a time of 1:06:55.
If you have any queries about the activities of Aycliffe Running Club, or are interested in joining the club, visit ayclifferunningclub.org.uk, or contact the club’s secretary, Donna, at [email protected].