RECOND entries and a big crowd helped make Darlington's 10km run one of the best yet.

The CD Bramall Darlington 10km Road Run and 2km Fun Run took place around the town yesterday.

Organisers said there were 1,041 entries for the road race, the largest ever, and another record of more than 300 participants in the fun run.

There was a new name on the trophy in both the men's and women's races. Martin Scaife, who runs for Chester-le-Street, but was born in Darlington, took the men's title in a time of 30min 57sec after leading from the start.

Darlington Harrier Berna-dette Taylor, who was second in the race four years ago, was delighted to claim the women's crown in her home town with a time of 37min 17sec.

Competition at the head of the race was fierce, but for hundreds of other runners it was a chance to improve their personal best times, or raise some money for charity.

This year's event, held under UK Athletics rules, will raise money for the Rotary Club of Darlington's Defibrillator Appeal.

Richard McVay and Karl Clark, who work for main sponsors CD Bramall, dressed up as Batman and Robin for the event. Fun runners included the Newton Aycliffe JM Beechfield five-a-side soccer team, all aged 15, who raised £150 for South Cleveland cardiac unit.

Organisers of the event, also supported by The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council, sportswear firm View From and Alpha Radio, had some anxious moments before the start when the heavens opened.

But Jeff Dawson said: "Thankfully, the skies cleared and everybody seemed to cope very well, with no reports of injuries or accidents. It's all gone very well."

l See tomorrow's edition of The Northern Echo for a full list of runners and times.