Exchange visitsuccess

SEDGEFIELD Harriers’ annual Serpentine multi-terrain event had an international flavour last weekend when some German visitors joined the near 200 competitors on the start line.

The County Durham town has been twinned with Hamminkeln since 1982; last year members of the Sedgefield club took part in the Hamminkeln Citylauf races.

Such was the resounding success a larger party decided to make the trip again last month where they were welcomed to stay in their hosts’ homes.

In return arrived 16 visitors from Hamminkeln, five of whom took part in the Serpentine.

Phil Houghton, chairman of Sedgefield Harriers, said: “Today’s Sedgefield Serpentine was yet another success for our young club. Almost 200 runners navigated the – at times difficult – course and much cake and merriment was had afterwards.

“We had the pleasure of welcoming a group of runners from the sports club of our twin town Hamminkeln with Werner, Thomas, Helmut, Norbert and Alfons all enjoying their run, all loudly cheered on by the rest of our visitors from Germany and many of our members.

“We certainly enjoyed hosting them and now plans are already afoot for a repeat exchange by Sedgefield Harriers for 2018.’’

Hamminkelner SV’s Hermann Terhorst said: “The race was a great experience for our runners.

“We were thrilled by the wonderful atmosphere during the event and are very grateful to Sedgefield Harriers for their great hospitality during our visit.”