Athletics

Two of Durham City's outstanding junior athletes had excellent runs in their recent races, firstly Shaun Moralee, who in the previous week became the Northern 1500m (U20) indoor champion this time travelled down to Birmingham NIA to compete at the AAA National Indoor Championships in the 800m. With qualification very tight in the three heats, Shaun ran exceptionally well and just missed out as a fastest loser by two places, recording a very good time of 1.57.28 for this part of the season.

Secondly, Rosie Smith, the Durham County Schools Champion, travelled to Heaton Park, Manchester to compete in the North of England cross country championships along with other members of Durham City Harriers. As it turned out Rosie despite a fall in then later stage of the Under-20 6klm race finished a very gallant seventh place in a good time of 21.45.

Results of City athletes in order of races: U17 women 4.5klm: Jeni Page (16th, 19.13). Senior men 12klm: Rob hand (30th, 37.59). U13 girls 3klm): Rebecca Sheilfd (59th, 12.56). Senior Women 8klm: Caroline Ratcliffe (58th, 31.05, Louise Trainor (66th, 31.27, Val Hancock (129th, 34.33). U15 girls 4klm: Kate Rose (104th, 17.28, Briony Rose (117th, 17.46).

Shildon

Thirteen junior club members were on school duty on Saturday, February 1 when they represented Durham County at the Inter Counties Schools Cross Country Championships held at Hexham racecourse.

The club provided some excellent performances with possibly seven athletes qualifying for the national championships to be held at Stamner Park, Brighton next month.

Performance of the day came in the Inter Boys event when Matthew Lomax turned the form book upside down with an outstanding tactical run to be first Durham counter and third overall. In the Junior Girls event there was more excellent performances from Abigail Wilson who finished in fifth and club mate Abby Suffield close behind in seventh place, both booking a trip to Brighton. In the Junior Boys race two more excellent performances booked at trip to the seaside in March for Warren Roberts in fourth place and Khalil Thompson in sixth place. In the year seven Boys events Andrew Cummings and Simon Hewitson donned a county vest for the first time and Andrew had a fine run to finish in sixth place with a possible selection to run in the Mini Marathon in London in April, club mate Simon had a good run to finish in 22nd place. In the year seven Girls race Amy Bunning and Natasha Heslop having their first run for the County and both having good runs with Amy finishing in 13th place and Natasha 25th. Natalie Owens also qualified for the nationals when she finished in 15th place in the Senior girls and in the Senior Boys race, Adam Ingram had a fine run, but will have to wait for the selectors when he finished sixth counter for the Durham team.

The following day at the Durham Pine Cross Country league held at Shibdon Park, Blaydon. Stephen Brown had a fine run in the Senior men's race when he finished in 16th place in a time of 34. 26, the winner was Shaun Moralee of Durham City Harriers in a time of 30. 17.

* Anyone interested in athletics can come and try with no obligation to join at the Stadium 2000 Sunnydale Leisure Centre Shildon on Monday & Wednesday evenings at 6pm. or contact the Secretary Mr N Stockley on (01388) 776083 or (07855) 029645 for further details.

Thirsk and

Sowerby Harriers

Oa biting cold morning, three Harriers undertook the long journey to take part in the 50th Anniversary running of the Ferriby 10. The start and finish of the race were near the attractive Skidby Windmill, and the course was mostly undulating, with one or two long climbs into a stiff wind. The event was won by Darren Bilton of City of Leeds AC in a time of 52.10. Alan Harman was in 111th place in 70.07, Ian Codling 216th in 86.50 and Pamela Sherlock 320th in 100.14. The scenery and friendly organisation made the journey well worthwhile.

* Club sessions are held at Thirsk School on Wednesdays at 7pm and new members are always welcome, of any age or ability.

Quakers

York racecourse was the venue for the Brass Monkey Half Marathon on Sunday, January 26. Eight members of the Darlington based Quakers Running Club made the journey. Out of 860 competitors, Ian Scott was first home for the club, 11th overall and first O-45 Vet, in a time of 1:15:45. He was followed by Dawn Richardson, second lady, 54th overall, 1:23:35 (personal best), followed by Graham Park, 1:26:06, 84th, Nick Millar, 1:27:51, 105th, Steve Snook, 1:33:03, 193rd, David Thompson, 1:41:50, 374th, Helen Hancock, 1:49:15, 519th, and Isabelle Evans, 1:53:07, 605th.

The next Quakers event will be held on Sunday, Febuary 9. The second of the Castle Eden Walkway series will commence at 10.30am from The Castle Eden Walkway Visitors Centre, near Thorpe Thewles, off the A177. The race consists of 5.5 miles over public footpaths and bridleways on the Castle Eden Walkway. £50 in series prizes. Competitors must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the race. Entry fee £4 per race (unattached £5 per race).

* Quakers Running Club train on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings, 6.30pm from Hummersknott School, Darlington. All abilities welcome.