Shildon: Shildon running & athletic club's junior section are calling on all interested budding athletes in the local area to join the successful club when training resumes in the next few weeks after a summer break.

The junior section has just enjoyed one of its most successful years, with 12 athletes recently representing the county at track and field.

Over the year, the club's junior section had athletes representing the area at local, regional and national level, as well as competing in prestigious events such as the London Mini Marathon. In addition to this, many of the members proved to be just champion at their own schools sports events.

Training resumes on Monday 18th August at 6pm for the distance group, which will be competing again in two cross country leagues during the winter months, as well as the various championship events around the country. The same evening also sees the sprint group resume, with the winter indoor events, both local and national, to look forward to. The groups will then meet on both Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the winter months. Wednesday nights from the 20th August, will see the primary schools group for athletes aged 8 to 11 years resume at 6pm. With the recent purchase of indoor equipment, the group will be involved in indoor sports-hall athletics during the winter months, as well as indoor competitions.

All three groups will resume their training at the Stadium 2000 athletics arena in Shildon. New athletes should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and should be accompanied by an adult on their first evening. For further details on the junior groups, contact Neil Stockley on 07855 029645.

Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers

The Burton Leonard 10k, the final race in the Black Sheep Series, was again run on a very hot day, making a tough course seem even tougher. Julian Mawson of Otley Ac won the event in a time of 35.46 minutes, and the first Harrier to finish was Stewart Mechie in 22nd (42.42).

Others: D.Holdsworth came 33rd in 43.58, Alan Somers 43rd in 44.56, Kaye Mechie 110th in 52.47 along with Peter Scanlon in the same time. Nicola Thorpe was 125th in 54.59 and Alasdair Thorpe 126th in 55.00, Sharon Keegan 138th in 56.03, Fiona Wilson 137th in 56.27, Lesley Ann Welford 139th in 56.45, and Chris McAleenan 170th in 65.52. There were 176 finishers and the Ladies team of Kaye, Nicola and Sharon won a Team prize.

The next event in the Club Championship is the Tholthorpe 10k on Aug 31st, with the Cock Howe and Beyond Fell Race on Sept 2nd.