Lambton 10K
On a grey June morning 4 members of Aycliffe Running Club lined up for the 2nd Lambton 10K. After a torrential downpour before the start of the race the air was still humid and infused with the smell of wet soil.
The majority of the multi-terrain race was routed through the forest of Lambton’s Estate. The course was different from last year in that it went in the opposite direction, had lots of twists, turns and undulations of various gradients and kept you wondering what was coming next. Gravel paths were riddled with potholes, roads were slippery from a combination of water and leaf-litter and the short bursts of grass were soft and muddy. Although challenging it was a good scenic course.
First home for Aycliffe was Gary Minns in 49:53 followed by Trish Kay 50:18, Penny Johnson 51:44 and Tracey Warrior 55:50.
Croft 10K
There was a great turnout from Aycliffe Running Club for the Pitstop 10K held at Croft circuit on the evening of Wednesday 4th July. The course was 3 laps of the circuit and although there had been a lot of rain it stopped before the race began and the weather was very humid. There was good support for the runners, particularly from friends and family of Darlington Harriers and Quakers running clubs. First home for Aycliffe was Tom Porter 41:56 followed by Matt Heron 42:03, Peter Smith 42:13, Nigel Holmes 46:48, Dean Barclay 47:20 and Gary Minns 48:20. Ladies captain Kelly Smith led the ladies home in 48:24 followed by Trish Kay 51:12. Other times included Paul Upton 49:55, Rob Nicholson 51:16, Stephen Smith 51:57, Simon Robinson 53:30. Shelley McCormack achieved a new PB of 53:40 and was followed by Dave Mackenzie 54:06, Tracey Warrior 55:38 and, making good progress after injury, Elaine Morgan in 60:59.
