It’s been another busy week for Aycliffe Running Club with the lighter nights now upon us. On Wednesday 3 April, an amazing 23 members turned out for the second in the Darlington Trail Series of races and the Locomotion 5k. John Firby (20:01) finished first in the race with Richard Campbell (20:58) third. Also representing the club were Sam Keenan (new 5k PB of 21:47), Martin Turnbull (22:08), Richard Holland (23:00), Jimmy Agnew (23:30), James Cooper (23:40), Lucy Postle who finished as second female in a new 5k PB of 24:11, Andrew Tweddle (25:28), Trevor Agnew (26:29), Bernadette Cooper (26:44), Joe Dickinson (26:46), Laura Hudson (in a new 5k PB of 27:28), David Stothard (27:58), Keith Hatton (30:51), Kelly Dickinson (31:28), Carley Cooper (31:56), Melanie Varley (33:17), Rob Nicholson (34:12), Peter Varley (36:07), Nicola Ingman (37:06), Em Flynn (37:13) and Ian Stothard (46:55).
At the same time, two members took part in the Pea and Peas 5k at Trimdon Grange. In pretty atrocious weather conditions, Kieron O’Connor (22:22) and Max Todd (22:39 and first male junior) both represented the club.
On Sunday 7 April, two members took part in the Wild Deer Bramham races. Tracey Pickering (1:28:41) was intending on running the half marathon distance. She changed her plans during the race when her knee locked up but still managed to complete the 10k distance showing true grit and determination. Daniel Tatham (2:28:15) ably supported Tracey to get through the 10k and pushed on to complete the half marathon distance himself. Amazing support and spirit shown by both members.
At the same time, one member took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon taking in some of London’s finest landmarks through Westminster and the City. Lou Mann (2:30:45), who recently joined the club was the sole representative for the club taking in this special route across London.
On Saturday, 33 members started their weekend with a parkrun, taking in the Town Moor, Sedgefield, Redcar, Darlington South Park, Hackworth, Hartlepool, Flatts Lane, Fulham Pace, Victoria Dock, Jubilee, Hamsterley Forest and Wynyard Woodland events.
At Redcar, Steve Williams (29:21) and Viv Williams (31:32) both completed the course for the first time. At Hackworth, Melanie Varley (30:41) set a new personal best for the course with Peter Varley (33:41) completing the course for the first time. At the aptly names Flatts Lane, which is quite the opposite of its name and quite undulating, Jean-Pierre Hupin completed the course for the first time whilst taking in his 50th different parkrun location, a fantastic achievement.
Angela Sutheran (25:24) travelled to London to take part in the wonderfully named Fulham Palace event for the first time. Lou Mann (31:48) took in the Victoria Dock event for the first time prior to her half marathon the next day. At Jubilee, Jimmy Agnew (23:00) finished third and Trevor Agnew (24:30) fifth, both completing the event for the first time. At Hamsterley Forest, Sue Podmore (32:22) was the sole representative for the club. At Wynyard Woodland, Jayne Rudd (30:03) set a new personal best for the course.
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. If interested in the Junior Section you can email arc.juniorsection@gmail.com. Make this year the year you or your children get into running and join us to keep it going for many years to come.