WHAT could be better than taking in miles of expansive Tyne Valley countryside before sitting down to a delicious savoury treat?

For over 300 people who entered the Tynedale Harriers’ Pie and Peas 10k, not much.

From the village of Ovington, they ventured along rural roads and tracks, en route to the glorious setting of the Tyne Riverside Park at Low Prudhoe.

There was a strong field of runners, with participants travelling from across the North-East and beyond to be part of the midweek race, which was blessed with sunshine.

And there were some impressive times, with just two minutes separating the first 10 finishers.

First man home was Liam Taylor of Sunderland Strollers and Athletics Club. His time of 32m 45s saw him pip Darrell Hastie (32m 50s), of Gala Harriers, by just five seconds.

David Green, of North Shields Polytechnic Club, also ran a time of 32.50 to ensure a closely contested finish.

Robert Holt, of Ponteland Runners, earned himself a top 10 finish. He ran a time of 34m 42s to finish ninth.

Laura Cheetham, of Jesmond Joggers, was the first female over the line. Her time of 38m 08s saw her finish 29th overall.

Another Jesmond Jogger, Molly Pace, was the second woman home, and she finished 31st overall with a time of 38m 20s. Natalie Batey was the third woman finisher with a time of 39m 08s.

The first Tynedale Harrier home was Christopher Jackson, who came in 26th with a run of 37m 55s. Clubmate Jaycee Shotton was 35th, with his run of 38m 47s.

Matthew Turnbull, of Ponteland Runners, was 38th with a time of 39m 15s.

Just missing out on the top 50 was Tynedale’s Steven Reynolds, whose effort of 40m 41s saw him finish 55th.

There was a presence from Stocksfield Striders, and Adam Hucklesby was 63rd with a time of 41m 25s.

The well attended race saw no fewer than 354 finishers, with entries in numerous categories.

Derek Todhunter, of Allen Valley Striders, was the leading V60 competitor, with a time of 44m 58s.

For full results visit https://www.tynedaleharriers.com.