By Donna Campbell
Saturday morning’s weather may have been slightly damp but this didn’t stop the runners of ARC from starting the racing weekend.
First up was the Croft 5k race which took place on the race circuit at Croft. This race was first introduced in the Summer as part of the Summer Festival of Running and was brought back for a winter 5k.
Being on a racing circuit it is of course flat but this does leave it open to the elements. Despite the conditions, four members took part in the race with Mark Bainbridge being first home for the club in 20.39 followed by Alan Wilks 22.58, Trish Kay in 24.39 (2nd Female over 55) and Simon Turner in 29.12.
The next race took place on Sunday 2nd December at Dalton Park Shopping Centre. There was a choice of 5k or 10k race being run with both starting in the Dalton Park Shopping Centre.
CarrieAnne Ingeldew took part in the 5k race completing this in a time of 41.23 and Lisa Dowell completed the 10k race in 1.01.02.
Also on Sunday was the next race in the NYSD Cross Country League. This took place in Redcar (Fox Rush) and because of the weather meant that the course was muddy and greasy in places. It also had a few ditches to contend with.
First up were two of our youths who both ran in the Under 11 race of 1.7 km. Fern Brischuk was first home in 08.33 followed by Felicity Lineton in 09.56.
It was then the turn of the ladies who had to run a distance of 6k. First home for ARC was Michelle Jane 28.47, Sue Milburn 32.26, Linda McNamee 36.26, Kathleen Tonge 36.45, Gemma Holland 37.43, Melanie Rowland 38.17, Jane Burnside 39.52 and Susan Clark 40.23.
Finally it was the turn of the men. First home was Peter Milburn in 38.33 he was followed by Dez Fielden 38.59, Andy Talbot 39.17, Richard Campbell 39.59, Richard Holland 40.12, Alex Lineton 42.12, Dave Blewitt 44.11, John Richardson 52.57 and Richard Tonge 56.55.
For anyone interested in joining the club, you can simply turn up at one of our sessions all of which start from the Oakleaf Complex in Newton Aycliffe. Monday night is beginners run at 6.30pm, Tuesday is endurance/speed session from 7pm, and Thursday is a track session and this takes place at Shildon Track.
Further details can be found on our website or facebook pages or alternatively you can message the club via facebook for more information.