THERE have been interesting locations for athletes racing in the colours of Richmond and Zetland Harriers recently.

Sunday, April 18 saw John Gray compete in the Raby Castle ten-mile trail race, taking in part of the 200 acres of Deer Park. John had a strong run and finished fifth overall in 1:03:49.

Sunday was also the day for the NECAA season opener in Morpeth, where Joe Reeves competed in the 3,000m and had a fantastic run, finishing in 9:30:02 (PB).

Midweek saw the Pitstop event at Croft Motor Circuit organised by Darlington Harriers. Several junior and senior athletes took part and it was a beautiful sunny spring Wednesday evening with a noticeable breeze.

The first race was the 2k junior fun run where Matilda Ellis had an amazing run to finish 13th overall, third female in 7:15.

Next was the 5k race and Matthew Lambert had a great run finishing 13th overall in 16:43 and Ollie Middleton had a very good run finishing 108th in 21:17.

The final race of the evening was the 10k with many of the Harriers achieving PBs.

First home was Rob Scott in a podium position taking third place in a blistering time of 30:40 (PB) and very happy to come in well under the sub 31. Next back was Steve Middleton, 20th overall and second V45 in a 34:36 then Tony Lambert, 34th in 37:17, Paul Ellis 69th in 39.22 (PB), Paul Simpson 75th in 40:07 (PB), Steve Sadler and third V55 in 40:15, Nicola Simpson 95th and second V45 in 42:37 (PB) and Garry Malton 118th in 46:19.

Further information on the club and training nights can be found on the website www.richmondzetlandharriers.co.uk