RECORD numbers turned out for an annual relay race at a North-East country park last night (Wednesday, April 23).

Hundreds of runners from across the region took part in the Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park near Sedgefield, County Durham, with 120 teams making it the biggest field of entries to date.

This year, Crook and District Athletics Club was first over the line in the men’s event, followed by Sunderland Strollers and Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers.

In the women’s event, teams from Durham City Harriers were first and second, with Sunderland Strollers in third place. The host club, Sedgefield Harriers, enjoyed success in the veteran 45 race and the under 17s girls race.

Meanwhile, Billingham Marsh House Harriers was victorious in the under 17s boys race and Crook and District Athletics Club scooped victory in the veteran 50 category.

Ean Parsons, chair of Sedgefield Harriers, thanked Hardwick Park staff and all of the volunteers for their help, adding: “The Neptune Relays is a really fantastic event and it goes from strength to strength every year.”

During the event, the Friends of Sedgefield Harriers sold home baked goods and raised hundreds of pounds for the club’s campaign to build an athletics training track in the town.

To make a donation to the Back the Track campaign, contact friendsofsedgefieldharriers@gmail.com or visit sedgefieldharriers.com