HUNDREDS of people put on their running shoes to bid a fond farewell to one of the region’s most popular athletics stadiums tonight (Thursday).

Young and old took to the track at Clairville Stadium in Middlesbrough for a final lap before it was closed.

Runners paid £2 with all the proceeds going to charities that are partners of the Runmiddlesbrough programme.

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The stadium was officially opened in 1963 by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Over the past 51 years the famous and not so famous have competed at the facility and so the night was a mixture of both sadness and celebration.

Middlesbrough Council has taken the decision to close Clairville down and sell the land to developers who are going to turn it into housing.

A new £18.6m Sports Village, including running track, velodrome, football pitches and other sports facilities, is currently under construction at Prissick Base on nearby Marton Road.

Tonight, however, was all about Clairville and for one person the occasion was indeed a special one.

Byron Matthews, above, was present when the Duke conducted the opening and remembers his words as if spoken yesterday.

“He stood in front of the Union flag and praised Middlesbrough Council for being forward looking and said that he hoped we would take great pride in our stadium and we took on those words,” he said.

“Obviously, the stadium became a Mecca and a spiritual home for many people over many years. It will always be remembered with great affection and it will never be forgotten.”

It was important, Mr Matthews said, not to dwell too much on the past, however.

“Now, we are looking forward with eager anticipation to moving to our new home at the Village,” he said. “I am optimistic. You can only look forward. Obviously, it is a very, very sad day, there are wonderful memories here, but one can only look forward to the future and I think the future is in the village. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind.”

The Northern Echo:

Speaking earlier, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: "In its 51 years Clairville has provided many happy memories for generations of participants and spectators.

"It's truly part of the fabric of Middlesbrough, and a well-known venue far beyond the town.”

The new athletics track is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks with the rest of the Sports Village opening in April.

Let us know your memories of Clairville and your thoughts on the new Sports Village below:

JOSS Harwood (was Kirby) Scottish international 100m hurdler 1987-1992, Middlesbrough and Cleveland Harrier:

The Northern Echo:

"In the 1980’s there was a strong sprint and hurdles group of athletes based at Clairville coached by Charles Stuart; now a prominent figure in local athletics. The Middlesbrough and Cleveland ladies team competed in the national league. Charles’ daughter Louise made it to the 1988 Seoul Olympics and he had other international successes. At the last local league match in August we all gathered at Clairville from all over the country to surprise Charles – we were announced as an extra event and ‘sprinted’ 50m with a cake and bubbly.

"Great memories of cold, wet, windy sessions with warm cameraderie, sometimes dry humour and longwinded stories!"

 The Northern Echo: