What a pity that Melmerby 10k and Kirkbymoorside 10k happened on the same day as there are doubtless people who would have done both.

Nevertheless, well done to both sets of organisers for putting on road races in these days when this type of race is becoming more rare. The mostly flat course at Melmerby allows for some good times, and two Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers finished under 40 minutes, with Ben Morgan continuing his good form to come 30th out of 281 in 39.28, consistent Paul Peacock 37th in 39.28, Andy Whiteley 59th in 41.46, Stuart Waters 127th in 48.59, Matt Jones, supporting another runner and slower than he would otherwise have been, 176th in 53.15, Allison Whiteley 184th in 54.17, Craig Atherton 199th in 56.46 and Dave Baker 228th in 59.37. Allison and Craig were two who did PBs for 10k.

At Kirkbymoorside, rather more hilly but also a friendly village race, Gary Wilkinson was first club finisher, 14th out of 326 in 41.23, Alan Simpson 55th in 46.04, Louise Mayfield 108th in 50.31 and David Tervit 120th in 51.03.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Louise Mayfield, Alan Simpson, Gary Wilkinson and David Tervit at the Kirkbymoorside 10k

Mid-week, the first of the East Coast 5k series of races took place at Redcar over a very quick (for most), very flat two lap race along the sea front in a high class field of 103, the winner taking 15.11 minutes and second placed runner 16.22.

Tom Levi, in a very good time of 17.04, finished ninth, with Matt Jones 25th in 18.42, Paul Peacock 31st in 19.23, Esther Harrison 35th, and second lady, in 19.31, Tom Brockbank 42nd in 20.17, Andy Whiteley 46th in 20.39, Craig Atherton 85th in 26.02, Allison Whiteley 86th in 26.02, Louiza Whiteley 96th in 28.49 and Marian Codling, bringing up the rear, 103rd in 48.05.

Some of those who weren't at Redcar did one of Rob Burn's Fun Sessions on White Horse bank, involving a trail run with exercises at intervals and a finish climbing the White Horse steps. About 60 membesr took part in this very enjoyable and sociable evening.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Harriers on top of the world on the White Horse bank

Weekend park runners were at Fountains Abbey, Millfield, Northallerton, York, Conyngham Hall, Rothwell Park and Frickley Country Park, with Matt Jones, Allison Whiteley and Craig Atherton all recording PBs.