Capital effort by Redman in his virtual marathon challenge
Sunderland Harrier Paul Redman completed his virtual London Marathon run around laps of Rainton Meadows.
He was supported by some of his clubmates as he made his way along mile circuits of the country park.
The "Tough of the Track'' virtually simulated the London Marathon where they did 19 laps of just over one mile.
The Over-55 who has a best for the distance of 2.46.56 from 2010, put in a commendable performance in clocking 3.22.00.
He said: "The day went really well with a good break in the weather and the support I received certainly helped.
"I would like to thank all those that have donated to the charity, Coping with Cancer, it has made the run much more meaningful tome .'' Sunderland Stroller Alyson Dixon was also on marathon duty on Sunday but this time as a pacemaker for the British women.
The twice winner of the British women's title completed about 10k before calling it a day.
Sunderland Harrier Steve McMahon, an Over-45 veteran, making his 3000m track debut finished sixth (9.39.3) in the Run Nation Track Series at Hexham.
NorthEast star Laura Weight man’ s attempt to beat Paula Radcliffe’s road 5k record was beaten by the weather and lack of top quality opposition at Wigan on
Monday night.
The European and Commonwealth medallist was chasing Radcliffe’s 2001 time of 14.57 but ended up with 15.10 after the wet and windy weather took its toll on the fast Three Sisters circuit better known for go-cart races.
The Morpeth Harrier went into the race in good form after finishing seventh in a class field in Doha recently.
She also set a PB on the track for 5000 with 14.35.44 in Monaco.
Weight man has now moves ahead of Yvonne Murray on the UK rankings to go to number three in the charts after taking 11 seconds off her previous best. Australian Jess Hull was second in 15.50.
The men’s race was won by American Eric Jenkins in 13.52.
The latest England Athletics guidelines on returning to cross country competition makes planning a championship with a big entry extremely difficult.
With the cancellation of the North Eastern Cross Country Championships due to be held on December 12 at Sedgefield, the North Eastern Counties Cross Country Association are looking for alternatives events, including split age group championships.
The NECCA are encouraging clubs to stage small local inter club events under the EA guidelines to keep athletes competitively fit and motivated.
Another casualty to the pandemic is the English Cross Country Relays Championships due to be held in a reduced form at the end of
October. Mansfield District Council have reluctantly said they cannot hold events in their parks and open spaces due to the worsening situation. But they are keen to find another date when circumstances allow.
And on another depressing front for North East road running, there are no club road events planned for the foreseeable future.