Dear Mrs Wild,
Ref: Road Closure for Aycliffe Run
We are very sorry that you have been inconvenienced, this has never been our intention.
The Aycliffe 10K is one of the town’s most prestigious events with over 300 competitors from all over the north taking part.  It has been run for the last 15-years using the same route, at the same time of day and date (Fathers Day).
The race is an opportunity for the town to celebrate their support for these athletes many of whom achieve personal best performances against strong competition.
In a world where personal fitness is in decline, this event is an inspiration to many on the town to take up running to improve their personal health and well-being.
It is the County Council and the Police who decide following a risk assessment which roads will be closed or partially closed. The marshals are all Aycliffe Running Club volunteers who give up their time to ensure the safety of the event in accordance with this risk assessment.
Burnhill Way is fully closed as this is where the mass 300 competitor start takes place.  If we break the terms of the risk assessment then the County Council and Police are within their rights  to stop the event on safety grounds.
To minimise disruption and to allow local residents to plan in advance we do all we can to inform them of the forthcoming event and road closures. It is included in the Town Council’s Diary of events, we display road signs at least one week in advance advising of the timing of the road closures and we have a notice printed in The Newton Press.  Other than this it is difficult to know what else it is reasonable for the organisers to do.
Aycliffe Running Club.