THE Darlington 10k event was met with a soggy start as over 2,000 entrants prepared to take part in at least one of three races this morning.

Runners said the damp weather was a cool relief, however, as they made their way along courses in and around the town centre.

  • There will be a FREE eight-page supplement of photos from the Darlington 10K races in Wednesday's The Northern Echo

To kick of the morning, parents and children took part in the Family Fun Run, a gentle mile-long route around High Row and Skinnergate.

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The first male runner to the finish was youngster Archie Lawson, nine, from Croft, who said he started in sixth and aimed for the front once he reached the home stretch.

The first female to cross the line was Amelie Winter, 11, from Thirsk who said the cold rain did not stop her from enjoying the course.

The Junior 3k Run saw around 170 entrants aged eight to 14 run up and down Coniscliffe Road for a smaller version of the 10k route.

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Scoring first and third place were Tom O'Mahoney and Joe Reeve, both 13, who were running for the Richmond and Zetland Harriers alongside other teammates from the same group.

The pair said they tried to stick together around the course and were pleased with their results.

The weather began to brighten in time for the Darlington 10k where around 2,200 runners lined up for their turn on the track.

The route began on Houndgate and took entrants on two laps around Stanhope Road, Woodlands Road, Carmel Road North and Coniscliffe Road before finishing in the town centre.

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Winning first place for a second year running was Dominic Shaw, from Middlesbrough, who completed the race in just over 30 minutes.

He was running for New Marske Harriers and was coached by Steve Shaw.

The 29-year-old said: “I’m over the moon to win it. I felt alright for the first 5k but the second half was tough. I kind of knew when I got to 7 or 8k that I wasn’t going to be slowing down, so I’m pleased.

“I broke the course record last year but this year it wasn’t to be.”

The first woman to cross the line was Tracy Millmore, 36, from Stanley, who was running for Birtley A.C. as she warms up to take on the York Marathon in October.

She said: “It’s a really good course. It was very hot today, although it was wet it was still warm out there.

“I went into the first lap hard and settled down in the second lap and I’m really pleased to come home with the win.”

Winning awards for the best teams were Darlington Harriers for the women and New Marske Harriers for the men.

Race organiser, Phil Haymer, said he was pleased with the turnout of runners and support from the hundreds of spectators throughout the day.

He said: “I was a bit anxious about the weather conditions at 5 o’clock this morning but the sun came out and we stayed dry.

“Our Fun Run went well, we had over 170 for the Junior 3k which was fantastic and for the 10k itself we had over 2,200 enter, so it’s been a great day."

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GET SET: Runners prepare at the start line of the Darlington 10k    Picture: PAIGE MCDERMOTT