There was a good turnout from Aycliffe Running Club at the Hartlepool Marina 5 mile road race on Sunday 30th March. Although it was a bit misty, grey and damp at the coast, conditions were good for running. The race started at Jacksons Landing and headed across the Historic Quay down Maritime Avenue, along to the end of the pier and back, and then along the promenade towards Seaton Carew. The race then turned back along the promenade to finish near the Wingfield Castle paddle steamer at Hartlepool Museum. Richard Campbell was first to finish for Aycliffe in 30:34 PB followed by newcomer Mark Wade in 30:58, Graham Atkins 32:48, Nigel Holmes 32:58, Peter Smith 33:25, Ste Smith 33:58 PB, John Burnside 34:07 and Marc Smith 35:48. Kelly Smith was first lady to finish for Aycliffe and she was very happy to have knocked 2 minutes off last year’s time to get a new PB of 36:04. Sandra Collins is continuing to run well and finished in 36:16. New member Paul Stretton made his debut for Aycliffe and had a good run to finish in 37:36. He was followed by Jason Dixon who was pleased to have knocked 4 minutes off last year’s result to finish in 38:14 PB.
New member Claire Rose was next to complete the course in 38:31 and she was closely followed by Rob Nicholson who also had a good run finishing in 38:35. Unfortunately, Gary Minns picked up an injury but still managed to finish in 38:46. Despite constant injury problems, Trish Kay finished in 39:07 and was followed by Dave Mackenzie 43:36 and Judith Porter 41:41. Michelle Dixon was also pleased to have knocked nearly 4 mins off last year’s time by completing the course in 42:48 PB and she was followed by Julie Nisbet 43:38, Micheal Smith 44:37 PB and Ross Garland 47:06 who ran this distance for the very first time. Yvonne Williams completed the 5 mile course in 47:18 and Elaine Morgan crossed the finish line in 49:00. Most of the Aycliffe runners were very pleased with their times and are now looking forward to the next race in their Club Championship at The Mermaid 10K at Marske on Friday 18th April.
The annual Aycliffe 10K and Fun Run is to be held on Sunday 15th June and details are available on their website www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk – Entry is by postal form or online entry and all race numbers, this year, are to be collected on the day.
