ATHLETES, club runners and fun-runners have pounded the streets of Darlington this morning for the town’s 28th annual 10k race.

The starting pistol was fired at 10.30am, with the cream of the runners crossing the finish line on High Row less than half an hour later.

Marc Scott, 21 and from Northallerton, took the overall honours, with an official time of 30:42.

The Northern Echo:

GREAT SCOTT: Marc Scott from Northallerton who was first over the line. Picture: Chris Booth.

He said: "I ran it two years ago and came third, so I was back with a vengeance this year. 

"I wanted to win. There was a good pack for the first 8K. Then I tried to put in a few surges and break a few off. I gave it a good push with a kilometre to go."

More than 1,800 runners took part in the main race, with some 160 junior athletes taking part in a 3k race, aimed at those aged between eight and 14.

The Northern Echo:

Runners in the main race Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Phil Haymer, event officer for Darlington Borough Council, said organising the race had been hectic but enjoyable, adding that he had been looking forward to another successful race.

Last year, runner Kate Avery set a course record as the fastest-ever woman to take part.

Elsewhere, more than 130 members of Quakers Running Club are taking part.

Jake Stephenson, of Richmond and Zetland Harriers, was the overall winner in the Junior 3K event with a time of 10:09.

There was some drama at the end of the main race when a runner fell with just a few metres to go.

He recovered to finish with a split lip and was wheeled away afterwards on a gurney for treatment.