I READ with sadness and sympathy the letter from Derek Hutchinson regarding the Darlington 10k Road Race (HAS, Aug 27). I can understand Mr Hutchinson’s frustration but I beg him to be tolerant for just this one morning in the year.

He is absolutely right to say that runners love this event and are very grateful to Darlington Borough Council for continuing to put the race on.

I have always felt tremendous support from local people when I have run the course, which I have done over several years, with spectators offering oranges and jelly babies, and even drinks in places, so I was a little disappointed to read those adverse comments.

I write an article every week for my local running club, and in it I thanked the local people and the council for this superb and popular race.

Please allow it to continue and come out to support it, I beg you.

Marian Codling, Sowerby, Thirsk