Up and Running run group Darlington breaks attendance record

Up and Running's social run group in Darlington this week (April 8) welcomed a total of 172 runners on its weekly 5k around the town.

The group, which has been running since 2016, gathered in Darlington's indoor market from 5.30pm - despite the rain - to prepare for the route which differs week by week.

Up and Running Darlington social running group. (Image: UP AND RUNNING DARLINGTON)

Dan Rowlands, the manager of Up and Running Darlington reacted with jubilation at the news and on the night of the run addressed the crowd to waves of applause after announcing the record had been broken.

He said: "It's absolutely fantastic to have broken this record - we don't go out to break it but it is something nice to shout about when we do.

"We pride ourselves on the number of runners who come out and join us because we are a small little store on a corner in Darlington that not many people know about."

Dan, who is from Middlesbrough, added that the impact it has on both the community and businesses is something to be proud of.

He added: "It's a great way to spread the word - if we've got 172 people saying they all went and joined Up and Running's club it's good for the community and the store but also mental health to get people out and running.

Up and Running Darlington social running group. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"The more people running, the better."

Pictures from the record-breaking evening showed runners tackling the route along Grange Road into South Park then along the Victoria Embankment, across St Cuthbert's way then back to Darlington Market.

A regular attendee, Sue Gowling, from Darlington, just last year had a second tumour removed from her brain – decades after her first was removed when she was just six-years-old.

When asked how long she’s been coming to the group, Sue chuckled and said: “Years -It’s a good group. You get to talk to people, join in with everyone and also meet new people.”

She added: “There’s a great community feel.”

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Another runner who was prepping to head out was 43-year-old Gary Read, who was one of the original group members of the group when it first began in 2016.

He said that the group has been a great thing to bring the town together, and added: “The group is such a diverse group of people who share the love of running and we all try and get fit together.

“Coming out tonight to see everyone, getting out of the house and socialising with people – it really does make you feel good.”