It has been a busy week for Aycliffe Running Club as the races start to come thick and fast. The week started with the first race in the Muddy Trail Series at Middridge on Wednesday 19 April. This saw an amazing 28 members take part in the race along an undulating course with some tough climbs.
The results were very positive with John Surtees finishing first in a time of 18:20. Tracey Surtees finished as first female in a time of 21:11. Sarah Gill (25:43) was first lady in the Over 40 category, closely followed by Tamara Kirk (26:31). Richard Campbell (19:51) was first in the Male over 40 category and Kevin Greenall (31:08) was second in the Male Over 70 category. In the Junior Section Max Todd (22:11) showed his potential by coming first in the junior category.
Others taking part were Matt Muir (21:07), Robert Young (21:46), Gary O’Connor (22:13), Martyn Knox (23:05), Gareth Hamblin (23:05), Stuart Joyce (24:05), Dave Blewitt (24:12), Shaun Dodd (25:14), Steven Dawson (25:15), Angela Sutheran (27:05), John Burnside (27:08), Michaela Kerr (30:29), Melanie Rowland (32:04), Yvonne Blewitt (32:27), Kelly Dickinson (33:21), Eve Doe (33:23), Viv Williams (33:45), Jane Quigley (35:04), Steph Colvin (37:30), Susan Clark (38:03) and Rob Nicholson (38:53).
Saturday 22 April saw Trish Kay head overseas taking part in the Magaluf Half Marathon. Despite the hot and humid conditions, Trish managed to finish the race in a time of 2:05 which saw her take third place in the Female 60 category, a brilliant achievement. Continuing the international theme, Carley Gibson took part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll 10k race in Madrid. The weather was warm, with the athletes grateful for being able to run in the shade for part of the race. Carley completed the course in a time of 1:00:33.
Sunday 23 was the TCS London Marathon. This saw two members run 26.2 miles past some of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks across London. Trevor Dixon completed the course in an astonishing time of 2:51:52 taking over 7 minutes off his previous personal best and a new Club Record for the 40-44 age category. Richard Holland also took part in the race finishing in a time of 3:51:09, another excellent performance.
On the same day, two members took part in the Run Nation Run Durham Hamsterley 10k with David Stothard (59:40) and Ian Stothard (1:23:48) representing the club.
Sunday 23 April saw three members take part in the Gisborough Moors fell race, a 20k race around the North Yorkshire Moors, taking in Roseberry Topping along the way. John Surtees, Tracey Surtees and Richard Campbell all ran together finishing in a time of 2:02:18.
If you are feeling inspired, and are interested in joining the club, you can turn up for one of our sessions. More information is available on our website www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk or our Facebook page. If you would like to chat with someone, then you can email ayclifferunningclub@gmail.com. Make this year the year you get into running and join us to keep it going for many years to come.