The Northern Echo: Whenever I do something out of my comfort zone, I pretend to be someone I admire.

So, this morning, I was Mo Farah as I took part in the Darlington 10k. I'm sure Mo would have been unimpressed with my time of  57.46 (finishing in 1114th place) but, to me, it was a glorious achievement.

I set out to finish the course in under an hour and made it without leaving myself in a heap. The hill after you turn left into Carmel Road is by far the worst bit but I knew I was going to do Ok when I passed a younger man in a Superman outfit.

Well done to everyone who took part in such a magnificent community event: the runners, of course; the organisers and volunteers (who did a fantastic job); the sponsors (Sherwoods, Teesside University, The Northern Echo, Mizuno, and TFM); and the crowds who turned out to cheer us on (you have no idea how much it helps).

I'd like to say a special thanks to the lady in Coniscliffe Road, who stood at the side of the road with a big box of jelly babies to get us through the last few kilometres.

Hopefully, we all made a lot of money for some wonderful charities.

Here's to next year.