Launch event gets 10K under starters orders

Runners across Darlington and beyond are set to get under starters orders as the town hosts a special launch event to mark the opening of registration for the Sherwoods Vauxhall Darlington 10K.

This year’s race will take place on Sunday, 7 August and to celebrate the launch we have invited our principal sponsor, Sherwoods Vauxhall into the town centre on Saturday (12 March) on Joseph Pease Place.

Joining them will be the Northern Echo who’ll be giving away a free bottle of Northumbrian Water with every paper sold along with a £2 discount entry form inside the paper.

Phil Haymer, Darlington Borough Council events officer, said:

“Last year’s 10k attracted a record entry of more than 2,000 runners and we’re hoping to beat that figure this year with an extended entry of 2,500 to accommodate the high demand for this event.

“It’s a popular event in the borough and we hope people will come along to the launch event on Saturday to help us get things off to a flying start.”

The entry level is not the only element of the run altered this year, organisers had to create a prize category for over 80 year olds to accommodate one of its long standing and loyal participants.  Ian Barnes, a member of the local Darlington Harriers running club has entered the Darlington 10K since it conception 29 years ago.

Phil explained: “Ian suggested an over 80 category in jest to me, but there was no hesitation in doing so for a such a long standing supporter of the 10K.”

Darlington Rotary Club has been voluntary supporters of the 10k and this is their 25th year. In return race organisers give a donation to their chosen charities. This year’s charities are Darlington Samaritans and St Teresa’s Hospice.

In addition to the 10k, there will also be the Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group Junior 3K Road Run for 8 – 14 year olds and a Family Fun Run which is open to all ages.

To register or for further information go to www.healthydarlington.co.uk/10km you can email [email protected] or contact Phil Haymer on (01325) 406417. Follow us on www.facebook.com/darlington10km

Photo caption: L-R: Ian Barnes, David Heaton (Darlington Rotary Club President), Alan Charlton (Darlington Rotary Club organiser for 10K), Alasdair MacConachie (Sherwoods MD)  and Phil Haymer (Darlington Borough Council events officer)