By Steven Dawson
It has been another busy week for Aycliffe Running Club, with members travelling the length of the country this week to race.
On Wednesday (July 3), Em Flynn was the sole representative for the club in the Croft Circuit Pitstop 10k running laps around the Croft Circuit track.
Despite it being muggy and not quite feeling it, Em showed amazing determination to complete the race in a time of 1:07:37.
On Sunday, seven members took part in the AJ Great North 10k which is seen as a warm-up event ahead of the Great North Run.
Representing the club were Kieron O’Connor (41:54), Gary O’Connor (43:18), John Burnside (52:37), David Stothard (53:10), Steve Williams (55:41), Viv Williams (1:05:11) and Ian Stothard (1:20:32).
At the same time, two members took part in the Durham Coastal Half Marathon with the runners starting in Seaham, before working your way across trails along the scenic Durham coastal path with this challenging run having over 1,600 feet of climbing making it tough for the runners. Paul Dalton (2:16:40) and Ian Payne (2:37:06) both representing the club.
At the same time, three members travelled to London and took part in “The One in the Park – Regent’s” which is a 10k race run over 3 laps around Regent’s Park.
Despite the warm weather conditions in the Capital, Carley Cooper (57:46), Jean-Pierre Hupin (1:02:35) and Em Flynn in her second 10k race in a matter of days (1:13:00) all completed the race.
On Saturday, 36 members started their weekend with a parkrun.
At Sedgefield, Thomas Heywood (24:48) continued his excellent form, setting another parkrun personal best. Em Flynn (34:22) completed the aptly named “Hilly Fields” course for the first time.
At Darlington South Park, Ian Stothard (45:26) completed his 100th ever parkrun at this course.
At Hackworth, Bernadette Cooper (23:21) finished as third female whilst David Stothard (25:23) set a new personal best for the course. This also saw Daniel Tatham (28:36) complete his 100th ever parkrun at this course.
At Victoria Dock, Jean-Pierre Hupin and Carley Cooper (29:54) both completed the course for the first time running together and completing another letter towards their alphabet status.
At Wynyard Woodland, Andrew Tweddle (22:03) set a new personal best for the course.
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.
