MORE than 1,000 runners pounded the streets yesterday in the Darlington 10km road race and its accompanying 2km fun run.

About 850 10k runners had warm muggy conditions for their event in which club athletes set off alongside joggers and charity fundraisers.

The proceeds of the road run are to be donated to St Teresa's Hospice in the town, which will benefit from a £1,000 donation from Bussey and Armstrong building developers.

Terry Collins and Julie Russell, from organisers Darlington Borough Council, were both sponsored for £500 by the company.

Michelle Parkes, sponsorship manager at Darlington Borough Council, said: "There were trying times for everybody because of the warm weather, but everybody really seemed to enjoy it. There was great support from spectators too, and we would like to thank the sponsors of the race, Tees Valley TEC and Asda. Our thanks go to The Northern Echo and Alpha 103.2 as well."

Two Northern Echo journalists ran the race. Deputy news editor Euan McGrory and reporter Mike Parker finished in 1hr 10min and 1hr respectively.

Mike said: "It was hard going, conditions were muggy and hot. But we had an enormous sense of achievement when we crossed the finish line.

"We wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of Richard Boucher, operations manager at the Dolphin Centre, and Stu Moon, fitness instructor, also at the Dolphin Centre, who helped us with our training."

Brian Rushworth of Sunderland Harriers won the 10k in 30 mins and 51 seconds.

New category winners included Carl Bedford, of Darlington Quakers, first under-18 male, in 37 min 04 sec and Clare Robson, of Teesdale Athletic Club, first under-18 female in 43 min 9 sec.

Report and results- Page 1