We start this week’s report at the Lakeland Trails 55K Ultra race, which took place on Saturday, 10 July 2021. The race, which doubled as the British Athletics Championships, takes runners through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lake District, and includes three mountain passes and 7000ft of ascent (and, more importantly, five well-stocked feed stations!).

Richard Holland and Simon Turner both took on the challenge and running together they completed the race in 10 hours and 41 minutes.

Whilst Richard and Simon were enjoying the sights of the Lake District, David Stothard was taking on the Alnwick Castle 10K Trail Run, hosted by Wild Deer Events. The race started and finished outside the Castle by the River Aln, and took in a lap around Hulne Park, the private estate of the Duke of Northumberland. David completed his run in 59:27.

Later that day, John Surtees took on the 5000m at the North East Project’s Festival of Athletics in Middlesbrough. In a well-paced effort, John crossed the line in 16:22:10.

On Sunday, 11 July 2021, just before the ‘Big Match’ (stick with us on this one), our adopted Macclesfield Harriers and AC runner, Paul Rands, took on the Wilmslow Summer 10K. Paul came home in a pleasing time of 44:28.

The European Final wasn’t the only ‘Big Match’ of the weekend though, as Club stalwarts Dave Blewitt and Yvonne Williams tied the knot on Saturday. Everyone at the Club would like to take the opportunity to wish Dave and Yvonne the very best for a loving and fun-filled future together.

If you have any queries about the activities of Aycliffe Running Club, please visit our website www.ayclifferunningclub.org.uk, or contact the Club’s Secretary, Donna, at ayclifferunningclub@gmail.com