FORMER runner Malcolm Ingram was an unlucky loser for six races until he finally won his first road race.

Mr Ingram recorded six runner-up spots in races across the region until he finally achieved success.

His series of second places included the second Darlington 10km, when he was defeated by Don Bain, a late entry from Scotland, who was second in the inaugural run.

It was not until 1992, in the ten-mile Shafto Run, in Spennymoor, County Durham, that Mr Ingram won an event.

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo featured the story of Paul Harker, the winner of the first Darlington 10km, in 1988.

That year, Mr Ingram, from Bishop Auckland, finished sixth after he damaged his ribs at work for Ingrams Removals only two days before the race.

However, he vowed to return the next year. He said: gI fell off the back of a container and damaged my ribs. I was taking anti-inflammatories, but they wore off. I was quite ill on the day, but managed to finish sixth.

gThe year after, I was keen to turn up and beat Paul. He was the man to beat at the time.

gI did a lot of training and went into the lead and beat Paul. However, I finished second behind a lad from Falkirk LINED UP: Competitors from a previous Darlington 10km race.

This yearfs event will take place on August 10 who was visiting his girlfriend that weekend.h This year will be the 21st anniversary of the Darlington 10k, and the race will be held on August 10.

Mr Ingram, who is now 52 and started running in 1985, runs with Crook and District Athletic Club and hopes to enter this yearfs race.

Organisers expect to keep the same route as last year, when a record 1,118 entrants took part. Martin Scaife, from Darlington, won the menfs race in 31 minutes and 7 seconds, only 45 seconds short of the record.

Claire Robson, from West Auckland, County Durham, successfully defended her womenfs title with a personal best of 36 minutes and 57 seconds.

Proceeds from the event will go to Darlington Rotary Clubfs two designated charities, Darlington Memorial Hospital, and St Teresafs Hospice.

To enter the race, complete the entry form on the left.

To celebrate the 21st anniversary, race organisers are looking for other stories, and anyone running who will be 21 on the day. If you have a story to tell, call The Northern Echo on 01325-505069.