The second in the summer series of 5k trail races, which took place at Preston Park, proved itself as popular as ever and with the addition of fine late spring weather attracted a field of nearly 300 finishers.
The massive turnout caused problems at the beginning of the race as the athletes tried to negotiate the narrow gap leading into the woods and most of the 15 runners from Aycliffe Running Club looking for a faster time on this well liked course were a bit disappointed.
Ever dependable Dez Fielden was first home for the club. Although still tired from the effects of a hard training run in Swaledale managed to come home12th in the time of 18m:04s.
He was followed by Matthew Heron, 37th- 20:10, John Burnside, 71st – 21:22, Peter Smith, 84th – 21:57, Kelly Smith, 99th – 22:49, Trevor Needham, 109th – 23:21, Rob Nicholson, 113th – 23:32. Shelley McCormack, 123rd – 23:45, Alan Wilks, 150th – 24:41, Penny Johnson, 179th – 25:59, Simon Robinson, 187th – 26:15, Alan Kellett, 201st – 27:06, Ross Garland, 208th – 27:20, Anne Kellett, 224th – 28:43 and finally Ray Todd, 253rd – 31:09.