THOUSANDS of runners pounded the streets of Darlington as the town's 10k race saw a new course record for its 30th race.

Young and old stood shoulder to shoulder when fun-runners lined up behind competitive club athletes as the klaxon sounded to herald the start of the race.

With more than 2,000 people taking part there were incredible stories at both ends of the results table. Winner Dominic Shaw stormed home in a course record of 30.02 mins – while David Morgan finished in 2hrs and 21 minutes a year after overcoming cancer.

Wearing his New Marske Harriers vest, the winner knocked three seconds off the course record and narrowly missed out on the chance of recording his first sub-30 minute time in a 10k road race. He was followed home by Jonny Mellor and Abraham Tewelde in third.

First woman home was Emma Clayton with a time of 35mins and 13secs, while Catherine Taylor finished second and Tracy Millmore came home third.

Senior men's winner Mr Shaw said: "I knew it was a good time but I never had a sub-30 minute time in my mind. 

"There was a good group of us together but when I came around the corner at the end I started celebrating, as I knew I was in a winning position, and it was only when I looked up at the time that Im realised that I could gone under 30 minutes.

"To be honest though, I wasn't really bothered about the time it was just good to get the result."

It was a different story when David Morgan crossed the finish line almost two hours later. The 67-year-old was treated for bladder cancer last year, when he underwent a nine-hour operation, and was determined to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.

The pensioner, who ignored arthritic pain to complete the 10k course, said: "It wasn't planned that I would walk round but when my arthritis kicked in I realised that I could not run it. 

"I was determined to raise money for MacMillan Cancer and there was nothing that was going to stop me completing the course."

As well as the senior race, there was a junior 3k as well as a family fun run which kick started the fun.

Phil Haymer, Darlington 10k race director, said: "It was a great day and weather certainly helped to bring out the crowds. We were hoping for a course record with some of the changes we have made, so we couldn't be any happier with how the racing went."

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jan Taylor, added: "It is an absolutely brilliant event and really shows people what Darlington has to offer."

  • Don't miss The Northern Echo on Tuesday for a souvenir supplement with photos and results