At the North-East Athletics league at Jarrow on Wednesday, May 5 on a wet but near perfect night for middle distance running Aycliffe's young athletes performed with distinction.

Seven personal bests were recorded as well as five club records.They were Against strong opposistion from all over the North-East in a series of 800m races.

First event saw Chris Gaffney just pipped on the line in the under-13 boys 800m by Greg Ritchie of Jarrow after a ding dong battle over the last 200m both recording 2 mins 28.7 a PB and club record. In the under 15 girls 800m Amy Gaffney gaining more confidence with every race put up a great performance to finnish 8th knocking three seconds off her best and recording a club record of 2mins 39.5.

In the under-15 boys James Askew at the bottom end of the age group finnished 7th in a seasons best of 2mins 45.4 secs.

In the under-17 girls 800m Abby Wilson also at the bottom end of the age group was just pipped for 2nd place on the line in a time of 2mins 31 secs. In the under 17 boys 800m Phil Moore in his first race over the distance recorded 2mins 25.8.

Due to the large turnout in the junior and senior mens 800m there was four races.

Lewis Moses, in the B race, broke the two minute barrier for the first time finishing second to Matthew Armstrong of Blaydon to set a new club record a personal best time of 1min 59.4. Adam Harker, in the C race, led through the first lap in 61 secs only to be passed down the back straight but hung on to finish 4th with a PB of 2mins 6.4 secs. Neil Robinson lead from start to finnish to win the D race in a PB of 2mins 8.3 secs.

Amy Fleming won the High Jump with a personal best jump of 1m 45cm setting a new club record in the under-15 girls event against much older girls. Amy also finnished 3rd in the long jump with another PB and club record jumping 4m 17cm.

Newton junior athletes are now gearing up for the North Eastern championships at Gateshead this weekend.

At the Fox and Hounds nine mile fell race at Castleton Carl Mustill ran a good race to finnish third in a time of 69 mins. Aycliffe runners were out in force at the Stanthmore arms fell race over 12 miles at Middleton in Teesdale on Sunday, May 2. First home for the club was Peter Milburn in an excellent time of 1 hour 26 mins, next was George Reid coming home in a time of 1 hour 47 mins followed by John Burnside in 1 hour 47 mins,closely followed by Tony Brewer in 1 hour 48 mins. Sue Milburn ran a solid run to record 1 hour 49 and then Kevin Greenhall in 1 hour 55 mins, Julia Atkinson 2 hours 5 mins.

Quakers RC

John Edmondson competed in the Keswick half marathon on Sunday, May 2 and competed the 13.1 mile course in 1:48:40 to finish 246th out of 580 competitors.

The second of the White Horse Handicaps will be held on Tuesday, May 25 at the White Horse Hotel, Harrowgate Hill, Darlington. Runners are encouraged to register early on the night for the 7.15pm start. For further details see the club's website at www.quakersrunningclub.com.

The Quakers Running Club will co-host Hamsterley Forest 10K and fun run on Sunday, June 6 with Butterwick Hospice. The fun run starts at 10.30am, followed by the main event at 11am. Entry forms available from the club or Butterwick Hospice, alternatively enter on the day for a small additional charge.

The Quakers Annual Presentation night will be held on Saturday, July 17. Tickets will be on sale soon. All members, past and present, families and friends are more than welcome to attend.