Aycliffe Club Runners participated in the Auckland Castle race, which was described as a trail race but was more like cross country.
The 5.2 mile course was undulating, mostly across fields, a few stiles to climb over and lots of mud!
The race started and finished in the grounds of Bishop Auckland Castle. Mark Wade was first home for the club in 34:34 and placing 5th overall, followed by Peter Milburn in 28:28, Martyn Knox in 41:21, Michelle Zamir in 41:28 and placing 4th female overall, John Burnside in 41:44, Cyd Upton in 43:37, Dave Blewitt in 44:15, Martha Macbarron in 46:43, Sue Milburn in 49:45, Trish Kay in 50:51, Rob Nicholson in 52:49, Julie Nisbet in 56:03, Julie Spring in 62:50, Craig Robinson in 63:35 and Ray Todd in 65:27.
Also taking place at the event was the Junior 2 mile fun run. Eight-year-old Caleb Wren, from Aycliffe Running Club junior section, came a fantastic fourth overall and third male behind two runners nearly twice his age. His sprint finish (pictured above) getting rapturous applause from the crowds.
On September 3, Mark Wade from Aycliffe Running Club participated in Derwentwater 10K. This is part of the Lakeland Trails. The off-road course is tough with a huge monster climb followed by a hellish descent. Conditions were tough with it raining all day. Mark did fantastic placing 3rd overall.
On September 4, club runners turned out for Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10K. The race has a great atmosphere with support around the course from local residents and friends of participants. Bands played at various points around the route to entertain the crowds and encourage the runners.
First back for Aycliffe Running Club was John Surtees in 36:47, followed by Richard Campbell in 38:52, Tom Porter in 40:14 and Martyn Knox in 42:51. First lady back for the club was Tracey Surtees in 44:09, she was followed by Dave Bewitt in 44:58, Martha McBarron in 46:50 and 1st in her category of female over 55, Rob Jayne in 47:14, Sandra Collins in 48:29, Trish Kay in 48:43 and 2nd in her category of female over 55. Next came Angela Barrett in 50:26, followed by Mick Brunskill in 50:32, Denise Evans in 56:25 and a new PB for her, Heather Fenwick in 56:25 also recording a new PB, then Ian Baronowski in 56:39 also recording a PB. Then came Susan Clark in 60:45, Laura Knox in 61:50 and Kat Aspey 62:05.