Last Sunday saw the third annual Auckland Castle Trail Race and Fun Run, which is organised by Shildon Running and Athletics Club in partnership with Auckland Castle Trust and Durham County Council.
Over 230 adults and 80 children took part in the two runs which go through ancient woodland and Roman remains within the picturesque Auckland Castle Trust estate.
Shildon Running Club not only help to organise and promote the event, but many of the Club members also forgo the run so that they can volunteer to marshal the event and ensure that the competitors have a safe and enjoyable day.
In the 5 mile Trail Race, Samuel Beckett from Crook was the first man home in a time of 33 minutes 11 seconds, second was Chis Callan of Elvet Striders (34.11) with a Shildon runner, Jon Marshall coming in third (34.14).
The rest of the Shildon runners followed closely behind with Dave Anderson in 4th (35.03), Richard Trowles (42.55), Drew Griffiths (49.07), Jean-Pierre Hupin (49.10) and Robert Treby (49.58).
The women’s race was no less eagerly fought with Darlington Harriers taking all of the top three places. Louise Talman led the trio home with a time of 38 minutes and 56 seconds, followed by teammates Val Clarke (42.59) and Kimberley Reeve (43.07).
In the two mile Fun Run ex-Shildon juniors Thomas and Joshua Wraith came in first and second for the boys (12.25 and 12.26 respectively) followed by Joseph Reeve (12.35).
Beth Wilson was the first girl back (13.54) with Megan Hawkswell in second (14.43) and Keira Pounder in third (16.33).
Shildon Running Club secretary Gareth Shaw said “It’s wonderful for the club to be involved in such a well-supported community race.
“We were really pleased such a wide range of clubs from the North-East competed.
“We also want to thank both ACT and DCC for helping to host and arrange the event and our wonderful club members for volunteering, without them the run could not go ahead”.
Elsewhere this weekend, at the England Athletics National Championships Rachel Bennett out performed her national ranking, finishing 6th in the u17s women’s 100m at the age of only 15 and Kyle Walton came 7th in the u17 men’s 100m semi-final.
Anyone interested in joining Shildon Running & Athletic Club can contact them by email at secretary@shildonrunning.co.uk or if you’re a runner over the age of 18, go along and join them for a run on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6.15 at Sunnydale Leisure Centre.
You can find out more at www.shildonrunning.co.uk and follow them on Twitter @ShildonRunning.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
