A RUNNER has completed one of the district’s most scenic routes in record breaking time.

Flying Dutchman Cees van der Land ran the 37-mile Isaac’s Tea Trail, between Allendale and Alston, in 6hrs 40m.

The 39-year-old was one of 16 runners from Newcastle-based Tyne Bridge Harriers, who took on the challenge trail over the North Pennines moorland.

This was a local run for Cees, who lives in Allendale, and does much of his training in the area. He negotiated the trail’s undulating landscape and 171 stiles and gates in dry running conditions.

Roger Morris, who created the trail, which is named after the legendary tea seller and fund-raiser Isaac Holden, said: “Cees has established a verifiable record for running Isaac’s Tea Trail. He completed the full route, with a brief drink stop in Alston.

“This is the fastest time, as well as the highest number of runners to finish the trail in the same day. The dry ground conditions over the spring have made for good running.

“The trail is well used by long distance walkers and is now also proving popular with runners seeking a challenge.”

Cees, a lecturer at Newcastle University, said: “The trail is a great run in valleys and moors to see some of the best scenery in the North Pennines.”