THE inaugural Tynedale Half Marathon proved a runaway hit with more than 200 participants taking in the scenic route.

There was a total of 214 runners, some from as far afield as London and Lancashire, finish the course which started and finished at Tyne Green, in Hexham.

There was a familiar winner in the form of Conrad Franks, of Gateshead Harriers, as he added the Tyendale title to a long list of North East victories with a winning time of one hour, 21 minutes and 25 seconds.

Two minutes behind him was unattached runner Chris Birchall (1:23.46), while Les Smith (1:24.42), of Heaton Harriers, was third male finisher.

But he was fourth finisher overall as Elswick Harrier Judith Nutt (1:24.40) put in an excellent run to finish third overall, clinching the female title in the process.

There was local success for Tynedale Harriers though as members helped the club to the men’s team prize with a number of notable performances. Peter Hearn, who was second veteran 50 participant, claimed eighth with a time of 1:26:01, with clubmate Dominic McDermott (1:29.42) one place behind him in the age category but just missing out on the overall top 10 in 11th.

Hugh Welch (1:39.37), as the third fastest veteran 55, finished in 44th place, two places behind Stocksfield Strider David Leat (1:39.21) who was second fastest veteran 60 runner.

Tynedale’s fastest female finisher claimed an age category win, with Leonie Hayler (1:46.30) topping the female veteran 40 class.