The last couple of weeks has been a busy time for the town’s runners both on the road and in the cross country.
In the NYSD XC fixtures at Summerhill (Hartlepool) on Sunday 11th January, Cameron Stainsby took part in the U15 boys’ race and ran a fantastic time of 13:27 managing 5th position.
Further afield on Saturday 10th January, Chloe Fairclough made the trip to Edinburgh to compete in the Edinburgh Great Winter Run 2.5k in harsh conditions. Chloe finished 17th in the 11 – 14 age category in a time of 10:48.
On Saturday 17th January three Shildon middle distance group runners ran for their Districts in the Durham Cross Country Championships, and all three made it through to the Durham Team and into the Inter Counties.
Lizzie Cramb, Running for South West Durham, came 7th in the intermediate girls.
Cameron Stainsby came 9th in the intermediate boys running for Darlington and Chloe Fairclough Came 8th in the Yr 7 girls, running for South West Durham.
At the same meeting in Meadowfield congratulations go to another Shildon runner, Shannon Ross, who gained her County Sweatshirt.
A few of the club runners participated in Hackworth Parkrun #97 on Saturday 17th January. Lizzie Wood was the first Shildon runner home in a time of 22:13, Gareth Preston was the first Shildon man in a time of 23:01, Eddie Murphy posted a time of 23:52, David Beadle 24:55, Gary Bainbridge 23:53 and Ian Rudge ran 28:36.
On Sunday 18th the senior section were well represented at a couple of winter events.
A few members headed to York racecourse to run the Brass Monkey Half Marathon where some respectable times were posted. Ian Rudge was home in an excellent time of 1hr 43mins, closely followed by Andrew Green in a time of 1hr 46mins 23secs and Phil Crow in 1hr 49mins 21secs.
Not to be outdone, the ladies showed very respectable times in their runs with Natalie Green completing the course in 2hrs 28mins 17secs and Emma Flynn setting a new PB by more than 13 minutes in a time of 2hrs 32mins 54secs.
Also on Sunday The Gerry Kearsley Winter Handicap was hosted by Sedgefield Harriers at Fishburn and once again was well represented by the senior section braving the snow and ice.
First home for Shildon was Chris Griffiths in a respectable time of 46:25 closely followed by Stephen Minns in 46:31. David Beadle was the next Shildon runner in a time of 46:50, David Johnston in 47:02 and Gary Bainbridge in 52:12. Lisa Darby showed very well as the fastest woman completing the course in 48:31.
Shildon Running and Athletic Club is open to anyone from the age of 7 upwards providing that the child is in year 3 at school. If you are interested in joining the club then go along for a free tryout session.
For details of club nights and times to suit your age group, check out www.shildonrunning.co.uk or email secretary@shildonrunning.co.uk.
Hackworth Parkrun is open to everyone, is free to enter and takes place each Saturday morning starting at 9am prompt. To register simply go to www.parkrun.org.uk.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
