Darlington 10K Road Race - 10th August 2008

Tony Ryder

There was a team of four Richmond and Zetland athletes, at the recent, ever-popular Darlington 10K Road Race on Sunday 10th August, this time without Jon Orange, who placed 3rd last year, as he is concentrating on the track season. This year, the event was won by Lewis Gamble-Thompson in a fantastic time of 32.32. Tony Ryder was first Harrier across the line in 49th position, running another excellent race and crossing the line in a swift time of 38.32. Taff Rogers also had a good run to finish in 72nd place, clocking a very respectable time of 39.37 in the process, exactly the same time as last year and is hoping to improve on this very soon. Kelley Haniver was the leading female Harrier and was also under the 40-minute mark and 5th in the ladies race, with 39.57 and 80th overall, while Sarah Gregory rounded off the quartet in 44.58, having got caught up in the crowded start and set her watch as she crossed the start line and not from the gun. She did not feel it was the best performance and hopes to build on this for the autumn season, finishing 260th in 44.58, from 958 competitors on the day.

In the Junior Race covering 3K around a smaller loop of the town, Beth Vickerman had an encouraging run to finish in 17.53 and 29th place overall in the event.

Marc Scott was also in action in his Richmond and Zetland colours at the York Millennium Bridge 2.5K on Tuesday 5th August, which always proves to be a very competitive race. There were over 30 competitors taking part in the junior race alone. Showing that he has maintained his excellent form, Marc finished strongly taking a fantastic 4th place overall, with an excellent time to match of 8.50.