Weekly update

Racing on home soil always drums up massive support but Sunday’s Sunderland 10k and half marathon saw Strollers here, there and everywhere!

But before we heap accolades onto many, let’s go back to Saturday and give a shout out to Audrey and Trevor Duncan, Lyne Valentine and Peter Myerscough. They travelled down to Stavely to take part in one of the Lakes Challenges – no prizes in the Challenge but well done to you all.

Sunday dawned wet and windy, typifying the weather we have come to expect for Sunderland City races. But there was no dampening the spirits of the runners or the marshals. With a slight delay, the 10k set off first. Andrew Davison was first Stroller home; Dru had a cracking race, finishing 16th in a time of 36:04 – super well done. Third lady was Wendy Chapman in 40:46 – fantastic running girl!

Setting off 25 minutes later, the half marathon generated much publicity as two female Olympians took part. It was great to see Aly Dixon and Paula Radcliffe ‘jog’ round with smiles for everyone. And even better to see them pick it up at the end when Aly pipped Paula to the post.

First Stroller home was Chris Dwyer in 1:22:14. Well done Chris – you have bragging rights for toeing the line with Olympians and beating them!

A plethora of Strollers achieved personal bests in both races despite the course not being the flattest or straightest – good training and massive cheers surely helped. Many others raced for the first time with a good number of beginners completing the 10k. So a big well done to everyone who ran, marshalled or supported.