The weekend snow ensured gruelling conditions for the North-Eastern Cross-country Championships that were staged at Hardwick Park. The event, which was hosted by Sedgefield Harriers was the 110th edition of the championships and attracted 1,453 senior and junior runners.
Despite the conditions, the men’s senior event over 11.96K, achieved a record 410 finishers.
Mark Wade was first home for the club, 63rd in 48:47, followed by John Surtees, 92nd in 50:11 and Peter Milburn, 141st in 52:33. Next to cross the line was Dez Fielden, 190th in 54:35, followed by Richard Campbell, 250th in 57:52 and John Burnside, 281st in 59:26. Jason Dixon was the next finisher, 297th in 60:35, followed by Trevor Needham 369th in 66:10 and Colin Gibson, 384th in 68:21. Michael Brunskill, 389th, completed the course in 69:06 and Rob Nicholson wasn’t far behind, 393rd in 70:39.
The men’s team finished 23rd out of 29 teams.
The women’s team did even better than the men’s team, finishing 14th out of 29 teams.
Tracy Surtees was first female finisher for the club, 41st and nearly 3 minutes ahead of her team-mates in 39:55, followed by Michelle Scott, 76th in 42:46 and Michelle Zamir, 78th in 42:54. Next finisher was Michelle Jane, 82st in 43:01, followed by Cyd Upton, 124th in 45:28 and Wendy Bake, 145th in 46:51. Susan Milburn, 152nd in 47:36 and Michelle Dixon, 199th in 52:49 completed the women’s output.
Circuit training sessions are held Tuesdays 6pm to 7pm; non-members welcome. For details visit ayclifferunningclub.org.uk
