HUNDREDS of athletes lined up for the annual Teesdale AC Raby Races.
For the first time since Covid, runners were allowed to sign up on the day, resulting in about 400 athletes taking part in the races – 2.5k for the youngest runners, 5k and 10k – around the grounds of Raby Castle.
The 10k was won by Aycliffe Running Club’s John Surtees, who raced home in 37.04mins, just over a minute ahead of Crook and District AC’s Alex Mitten.
Nathan (39.29) and Josh Mawer (39.58), representing the host club, finished a creditable fifth and seventh.
Splitting them in sixth place was the first female runner home, Kate Storey, from Crook and District AC.
In the 5k, there was more success for Crook and District AC, when Rory Hart came home first in 17.51, fully 70 seconds ahead of Shildon Running and AC’s Matt Lomax.
Darlington Harriers’ junior Chloe Graham was the first female to cross the line, coming 11th overall in 25.27.
The day had begun with the fun 2.5k event and it was two ten-year-olds who took the honours – Ted Gooding, from Darlington, was first past the post and Darlington Harrier Ellie Wake was the first female.
Evenwood Road Runners had runners at two events on Sunday. The first group was at the Raby Runs.
First back in the 10k was Paul Townsend in 47.35 followed by Lisa Corcoran in 1:03:46 then Elaine Smith and Jane Quinn, both finishing in 1:20:36. In the 5k, Lynn Ward finished in 40.41 and Kay Johnson in 41.01.
The second group took on the Sunderland 10k and half marathon, with the race going through the city and along the sea front.
The club had outstanding results with four runners achieving personal bests (PBs). First back in the 10k was Gordon Scott in 40.34 PB, followed by Steven Graydon (42.58 PB), Bethany Sowerby (47.29), Julie Tinkler (48.17 PB), Ian Sowerby (58.48), Joanne Foster (1:01:01), Robin Crosby (01:03:24), Heather Tinn (1:03:43), Gail Richards (1:05:01), Mary Mowatt (1:05:21) and John Tully (01:10:37). Keith Hilton completed the half marathon in 1:42:58 PB.
Evenwood Road Runners meet Wednesdays at 6.15pm and Sundays at 10.15am outside Evenwood WMC. All abilities are welcome to join.
