Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers in action at Penshaw Fell Race among events around the region

The first runner to the top receives a prize and they then race around the monument and one of two laps begin, sweeping downhill through woods, then a stiff climb out and around the base of the monument hill.

The sting in the tail is a short but steep climb to the finish.

On a very warm evening, Karl came 18th in 20:30 and Dave 48th in 23.48.

A mid-week Masters track and field event at Monkton Stadium attracted three of Hartlepool’s Veteran track runners.

Lee Kitching secured a personal best time of 10:18 in the 3000m, Keith Hutchinson was just caught at the finishing line by a GB International runner in the 400m race, but also securing a great personal best time of 54.8 seconds.

Keith went on to run another best time of 12.5 seconds in the 100m.

Carl Marchant had two great wins in his veteran races, with best for age times of 15.6 for the 100m and 73 seconds for the 400m.

Closer to home, the 6.5 Mile Whitsun Woodland Trail Run took place in the heat at Wynyard Woodland Park. Burn Road Harriers had a great time at the event, with five of their runners placing in the top 10.

Simon Bennett secured his first ever win, charging to the finish line a good 20 seconds clear of the nearest competitor to finish jubilant in 38:19. A brilliant result for Simon who has returned to great form.

Darren Armstrong claimed third place in a time of 39:06, with Andrew Minister seventh in 40:31.

Vaughan Godber was ninth in 40:59, with Victor Brudenell tucked in close behind in 10th place in 41:03.

Andy Kelly’s return to racing continues to impress, placing 19th at Wynyard in 42:31, with Mick Stafford next in 44:17 (24th). Alan Robson was next in 44:22 (25th).

Gareth Foreman came in in 45:02, followed by Bill Hornby in 49:18.

Marie Taylor was the first femaleHarrier to cross the finish line, but her race had been interrupted by assisting another runner who found themselves in difficulty mid-race.

This cost Marie a couple of minutes but she got herself going again to finish in 54:21.

Carl Marchant also stopped with Marie and they ran in together, Carl a gentlemanly couple of seconds behind.

Peter Johnson was the next Harrier to cross the line in 55:55, followed by Clair Minton in 62:57, Pauline Ranson in 63:06 and Steph Dean in 76:21.

Nicola Swinbourne went over to Coniston to do what she does best, race a hot, gruelling marathon up in the hills.

Certainly at home in this terrain, Nicola set off with a personal best time for the course in mind, but aware of the impact the heat might have in the exposed areas over the top of the moors.

She soon found her stride and was undeterred by the blazing sun and managed to knock two minutes off her best time around the difficult course to finish in 4 hours and 35 minutes.

A stunning result from Burn Road’s top female fell runner.

Greg Swinbourne tackled the half marathon at Coniston and secured a new off road personal best time of 1:59:22, placing 37th overall in a competitive field.