By Steven Dawson
It has been another busy week for Aycliffe Running Club with a weekend of races.
This saw 11 members travel to Sunderland for the Sunderland City Runs.
In the half marathon race, Bernadette Cooper (1:49:49), Laura Hudson (1:53:14), Sammie Metcalfe (1:56:19), Carley Cooper (2:14:17), Sue Podmore (2:17:57) and Jean-Pierre Hupin (2:22:22) all represented the club.
A special mention for Sue Podmore. who also used the race to raise funds for charity whilst supporting someone special who was undergoing treatment for Prostrate Cancer.
Sue has managed to smash her target, raising over £650 for this excellent cause.
In the 10k race, Trish Kay (53:29), David Stothard (56:07), Sam Harding (1:02:43), Em Flynn (1:08:26) and Ian Stothard (1:13:00) all represented the club.
On the same day, 16 members travelled for the Raby Castle series.
In the 10k there was an amazing performance by John Surtees, winning the overall race in a time of 37:04.
Also taking part were Martyn Knox (44:07 and third in the men’s over 35 category), Tracey Surtees (44:49 and first in the female over 35 category), Anthony Dickinson (44:51), Richard Holland (46:54 and third in the men’s over 45 category), Daniel Tatham (48:24), Andrew Tweddle (50:50 and third in the men’s over 55 category), Kevin Tatham (52:04 and third in the men’s over 60 category), Cath McDonnell (56:13), Kelly Dickinson (1:01:59), Kirsty Cameron (1:06:27), Richard Tonge (1:06:35), Rob Nicholson (1:08:26), Eve Doe (1:09:02 and second in the female over 60 category) and Kathleen Tonge (1:15:19). In the 5k race, Susan Clark (39:25) finished second in the female over 65 category.
On Sunday, one of our Juniors competed in the NECAA North East Championships with Elizabeth Clay (12:83) coming an excellent fourth in the Under 17 100 metres in Middlesbrough.
On Saturday, April 27, 29 members started their weekend with a parkrun.
At Darlington South Park, Lou Mann (30:05) Nici Ingman (31:24) and Yvonne Wood (36:05), completed the course for the first time as part of the clubs parkrun tourism.
At Hartlepool, John Surtees (17:04) finished first with Tracey Surtees (20:24) third female in a new course PB. Sarah Gill (25:55) completed the course at Lytham Hall for the first time.
Over at Lochore Meadows, Keith Hatton (28:33) completed the course for the first time.
On Saturday, May 4, 33 members started their weekend with a parkrun.
At Poole, Sarah Gill (24:45) completed the course for the first time.
At Hartlepool, Richard Trowles (17:25), Richard Holland (19:58), Angela Sutheran (22:17), Sue Podmore (26:56) and Rob Nicholson all set a new course PB. At Southwark, Laura Grainger (27:17) completed the course for the first time. Keith Hatton (27:40) completed the event at Clumber Park for the first time.
At Keswick Steve Williams (29:29) and Viv Williams (30:59) completed the course for the first time with Lou Mann (50:07) also completing the event at Marshall Drive for the first time as tail walker.
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