By Paul Dalton
Last weekend’s action mainly revolved around the track, as more events took place as part of a delayed outdoor track season.
On Saturday, September 26, several members attended the ‘Back to Track II’ meeting, hosted by the Darlington Harriers and Athletics Club at a brutally windy Eastbourne Sports Complex.
The meeting offered the opportunity to participate in graded 100m and 800m races, and the shot put.
Sticking firmly to something within their comfort zone, our members opted for the 800m races. First out of the traps for the club was Alan Wilks, who participated Race 6 and finished in a time of 3:05.7.
Andy Talbot competed in Race 7, and came home in 2:33.2, setting a new club record in his Age Category. Second claim member, John Firby, ran in Race 8, albeit representing his first claim club, and registered a time of 2:24.5.
John Surtees continued his recent great form, convincingly winning Race 9 in a time of 2:16.3, and in doing so broke his own club record for the distance in the M20-35 age category.
There was more action on the track on Sunday, September 27, as Andy Talbot doubled up, and travelled to Morpeth to take part in the North Eastern Counties Athletics Association Meeting, which also incorporated the North East Masters Athletics Association 3K Championships.
Andy recorded a time of 10:53.28 in his 3K race, claiming first place and the gold medal in the V60 age category, and also set a new club record for the distance in his age category.
Taking on a challenge of a different kind, Rob Young joined North East Project Run in their attempt to run a ‘Coast 2 Coast’ relay. Rob and his team-mates completed the tough 11.5 mile leg between Burn Banks and Orton, mostly in the dark, which may explain some navigational issues.
Due to the current public health crisis, the 2020 Race for Life event series was cancelled earlier in the year, but runners and walkers were offered the opportunity to undertake a virtual version, a ‘Very 2020 Race for Life’, on Saturday, September 26. Several members chose to participate, donning some pink attire, and raising some money for a very worthwhile cause.
If you have any queries about the activities of Aycliffe Running Club, please visit website www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk, or contact the club’s secretary, Donna, at [email protected]
Pictures by Karen Harland.
