TIMED mile group sessions for the Allerton Juniors Athletics Club Endurance Squad were on the agenda at the third event in the Darlington Back to Track series on Saturday, October 10.

Cold wet weather meant all the athletes performed very well under non-ideal conditions. The U13 team consisted of Henry Kirkbride finishing with a quick time of 5.42s as overall third boy, Lucy Boot also taking a hard fought third overall girl place in 5.52s, Grace Derry shortly after at 5.57s and Albie Mack with 6.22s.

In the U15 races, Islay Wilson put in a highly commended effort to take the second overall girl position with a time of 5.39s. The boys' overall times were Sam Degazon with 5.18s, Tristan Baker showing plenty of potential completing a strong AJAC debut finishing fourth in his heat with 5.41s, Adam Derry with 6.01s and Henry Mack finishing the course in 6.23s.

Another opportunity to race later in the month took place as North East Project Run hosted a graded 5km route at Middlesbrough’s Albert Park on Saturday, October 24. A number of races consisting of limited participants staggered across the morning ensured a safe environment for all concerned.

Again, the U13 and U15 Endurance Squad showcased some impressive performances with almost all achieving personal best times. Sam Degazon completed the course in 19:31s, Tristan Baker in 20:07s, Lucy Boot with 20:37s, Islay Wilson finished her race in 20:39s, Emily Quinn in 20:51, Grace Derry in 20:59s, Henry Mack 21:46s and Albie Mack in 22:30s.

Not to be outdone by the younger members of the squad, two of AJAC’s own coaches acquitted themselves extremely well on the wet and windy course. Laura Wilson finished in 21:51s and Chris Degazon achieved a personal best of 20:21s. An inspiration to all of the team to put in the hard training required to achieve these results.