TRAINING for the upcoming Allendale Challenge helped local runner Ruth Bentley to second place in this weekend’s Run Northumberland Half Marathon, at Kirkley Hall.

Wanting to post a good time for the Challenge in early April, Allen Valley Strider Ruth’s extra miles in training saw her complete the 13.1-mile course in a personal best time of one hour, 33 minutes and 47 seconds (1:33.47).

It was the second fastest time from the women runners on the day, and she was just 18 seconds behind champion Suzanne Thew (1:33.29), of North Shields Polytechnic Club. As a result of her performance, she was fastest overall in the V35 class and 41st in the entire race from a big field of 362.

She said: “I’m training for the Allendale Challenge so the increased mileage has made me faster! The conditions weren’t ideal at the weekend, but I felt fairly comfortable and tried to keep at a pace of seven minutes a mile, so I’m pleased just to be above that and record a new PB.”

Top honours went to impressive Gateshead Harrier Conrad Franks who completed the distance in 1:17.41, just ahead of runner-up Alex Black (1:18.24), of Tyne Bridge Harriers, and Andrew Alderson (1:18.33), of Blaydon Harriers.

The team prize went to Blyth Running Club, who had Bradley Clough (1:20.02) first home in seventh, with Elswick Harriers winning the ladies’ title as both Catherine Lee (1:41.14) and Elisabeth Aspinall (1:41.23) secured top 10 finishes.

Local runners were out in force with Ruth leading home a field of eight Allen Valley Striders. Joining her on the start line were clubmates Jason Forster (1:40.10), Brendon Jackson (1:40.53), Craig Thomson (1:55.39); Gayle Forster (2:02.37), Celia Sanderson (2:03.13), Helen Edwards (2:15.43) and Rose Todhunter (2:17.10).

David Leat (1:44.22), Anna Halstead (1:49.38), Rachael Turnbull (2:02.14) and Richard Weymes (2:02.15) represented Stocksfield Striders, while Ivan Newton (1:35.01) and Sally Graham (1:47.14) were spotted in the black vests of Tynedale Harriers.

Ponteland Runner Aaron Hoyle (1:21.26) put in a great run to claim a top 10 place overall, with Paul O’Neil (1:28.52) 20th and David Levison (1:36.04) sneaking into the top 50.

Of the female club members, Abby Dorani (1:40.52) was quickest with Alison Guadagno (1:44.31) and Nicola Matthews (1:53.18) next home.