Over the last couple of week’s in the run up to Christmas and New Year, Aycliffe Running Club members continue to be active with some taking part in their final races of the year.
On Wednesday 13 December, one member took part in the South Shields Monthly Mile, which was rearranged from the previous week due to slippery conditions. Dave Stothard was the sole representative for the club finishing in a time of 7:00.
On Sunday 17 December, a team of members competed in the McTaggart Trot which sees a team of three runners run 3.1 mile, 6.2 mile or 9.3 mile with runners running the first part of the race at the slowest person’s race before they dropped out and continuing at the second person’s pace before dropping out and the final members completing the race at their pace. It is a fantastic event aimed at raising money for charity with all runners encouraged to wear Christmas outfits. Em Flynn, Jean-Pierre Hupin and Carley Cooper represented the club.
On 23 December, three members took part in the Ronnie Walker Saltwell 10k with Richard Holland (45:08), first back for the club. Also taking part were Mark Bainbridge (55:18) and Trish Kay (58:42). At the same time, two members took part in the Darlington Trail Xmas Fun run with Salv and Catherine McConnell taking part and receiving a medal and selection box at the end.
On 31 December, one member took part in the Ribble Valley 10k with Richard Trowles finishing in a time of 38:24. At the same time, one member completed their year by running in the NEMC Town Moor half marathon. David Stothard finished in a time of 2:14:39.
On Saturday 16 December 24 members started their weekend with a parkrun, taking in the Albert, Town Moor, Sedgefield, Blackhill, Darlington South Park, Hackworth, Northallerton, Leazes and Wynyard Woodland events.
At Blackhill, Daniel Tatham (25:17) and Tracey Pickering (37:16) both completed the course for the first time.
At Hackworth, Bernadette Cooper (25:21) finished as first lady. At Northallerton, Sarah Gill achieved a new personal best for the course of 26:03. At Leazes, Sandrine Hewitt (35:13) completed the course for the first time. At Wynyard Woodland, Shaun Dodd (23:38) completed the event for the first time
On Saturday 23 December, 25 members started their weekend with a parkrun, taking in the Silksworth, Sedgefield, Darlington South Park, Hackworth, Leazes and Ashbourne Recreation Ground events.
At Silksworth, Sandrine Hewitt (31:39) completed the event for the first time. At Darlington South Park, Ian Stothard (53:48) finished the race as tail walker, whilst reaching the milestone of 150 parkruns, an amazing achievement.
On Saturday 30 December,12 members started their weekend on a weather impacted parkrun with a number cancelled due to bad weather. Em Flynn (38:17) completed the event at Plean for the first time. Over at Prudhoe, Sandrine Hewitt (31:53) completed the course for the first time. Jayne Rudd (35:25) completed the course at Millfield for the first time. At Wynyard Woodland, Beverley Philippo (31:01) and Craig Robinson (34:57) both completed the course for the first time.
It is that time of year where you start to think ahead to the New Year and it could be that you want to start of the New Year positively in getting back or getting back into running. It is never too late to start making plans and if you are feeling inspired and are interested in joining the club or want to take your running to the next level, you can turn up for one of our sessions. Our sessions cater for people of all abilities and we would be delighted if you wanted to join us to mark that next chapter in your life with running.
You can find out more by visiting or website or our Facebook page. If you would like to chat with someone, then you can email ayclifferunningclub@gmail.com. Make this the time you get into running and join us to keep it going for many years to come.