THREE AYCLIFFE club runners participated in the Preston Park trail run, part of the Stockton-Tees-Trail series. Only   The course was icy and muddy in parts, making it a tricky run on a cold but sunny morning. The three runners ran their own race but finished together in 46th, 47th and 48th position. 1st  back for the club was Dave Blewitt in a time of 22.45, followed by John Burnside in 22.47 and placing 1st in his category of male over 60, then came Michelle Zamir in 22.48.

Aycliffe Club runners participated in the NYSD cross country at Summerhill Hartlepool on Sunday 5 Feb. The women’s race was 2.6 miles long one small lap and one large lap, but was a tough course especially as it was very muddy. First back for the ladies was Michelle Zamir 19th overall in 21.06 closely followed by Michelle Jane who was 20th in 21.16. Next in was Martha Mcbarron 35th  in 22.44, Sue Milburn 59th  in 25.21 and Susan Clark 82nd  in 31.11

The men completed three large laps 5.3 miles. First back was Mark Wade who placed 22nd in 37.37 closely followed by Dez Fielden placing 24th in 37.56, next Peter Milburn came in 38th in 40.06 and Dave Blewitt came in 73rd with a time of 44.18.

On 4 February Alan Wilks competed in the North East Masters cross country in Newcastle.  Alan Excelled himself by winning a gold medal in the over 65 masters. He ran a time of 25.34 in the 3 ½ mile event.

Four Aycliffe runners braved icy winds and thick mud in the annual 'Absent Friends ' 5 mile charity run in Cowpen Bewley.  First home for the club in 27th position was John Burnside, also an over 60s prize winner in a time of 36.51. He was followed by Dave Blewitt 30th in a time of 37.43. Next was Michelle  Zamir,  first lady over 35 and prize winner in a time of 39 15. Mick Burnskill also finished well up the field in a time of 42.57.

Submitted by Shelley McCormack