HUNDREDS of runners descended on a country park in County Durham for a popular annual relay race.
The Neptune Relays took place in Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, last night, with almost 500 runners from across the North-East competing in 119 teams of four for trophies and the traditional prizes of fruit.
Event director, Ean Parsons, of organisers Sedgefield Harriers, said: "It’s amazing to consider how well-established the Neptune Relays are today.
"That’s down to a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but primarily thanks to the event capturing the imagination of runners in the region, who support it in such good numbers.
"As ever, there was some very strong competition at the sharp end of the field, but above all, our relays offer an opportunity for all runners to participate in a race in a beautiful venue, and which is welcoming and suitable for every ability."
The senior men’s event was won by Durham City Harriers for the third year in a row, ahead of Middlesbrough & Cleveland and Durham City Harriers B team.
WINNERS: Durham City Harriers Dan Jenkin, Luke Pickering, Ben Horsfield and Michael Wade with chair of Sedgefield Harriers, Phil Houghton, second from left
Aycliffe Running Club claimed first place in the women’s race, with Crook AC in second and Durham City Harriers third.
Billingham Marsh House Harriers won their third successive men’s veteran 50 race and Elvet Striders were victorious in the women’s veteran 45 category.
Durham City Harriers won the junior boys title and Birtley AC won the junior girls race.
The non-club category saw a win for ‘Coxhoe Striders’. And before the main relays started, young runners aged between five and 11 tackled a handicap race on part of the course.
Mr Parsons added: "We are extremely fortunate to be able to host the Neptune Relays in such a stunning location and are grateful to Hardwick Park for that, and to the army of volunteers from Sedgefield Harriers and the wider North East running community for making this event such a success.”
Sedgefield Harriers launched the Neptune Relays in 2008 and the first race was contested by 13 teams.
For more information about Sedgefield Harriers visit sedgefieldharriers.co.uk
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