MORE than 500 runners from across the North-East and beyond lined up for the Run Northumberland Hexham 10K.

Now in its third year, the event attracted its biggest entry to date, with competitors thrilling onlookers with some exciting finishes.

The sun came out as runners set off from Hexham’s Tyne Green, taking on an undulating route past Anick, heading towards Corbridge, before returning to Hexham.

Sunderland Harrier Liam Taylor ran a time of 00:33:01 to successfully defend the men’s title he won last year. Gateshead Harrier Conrad Franks was runner-up, and was just a second behind (00:33:02) after a fascinating battle for supremacy. David Young, of Saltwell Harriers, was third with a time of 00:35:10.

Two Tynedale Harriers made the top 30. Steven Reynolds was 15th after his impressive run of 00:39:28. Reynolds’ efforts also saw him win the 45-49 age category. Alex Tang was 30th overall in 00:41:33.

Another eye-catching performance came from Matthew Turnbull, of Ponteland Runners, who secured 20th place with a time of 00:39:49.

First female home was Steph Pattinson, of Jarrow & Hebburn AC, who came 17th overall with a time of 00:39:40.

In the 15-19 age category, Daphne Claisse (00:41:59) was the winner over runner-up Tom Milburn (00:44:16), and third placed Jacob Riddlestone (00:48:34).

In the 35-39 age category, Claire Welch’s run of 00:43:11 saw her finish ahead of Charmaine Ho (00:44:40), and Jill Porter (00:46:36). Helen Guy, of Stocksfield Striders, was sixth with a time of 00:49:21.

Stephen Sparke, of Ponteland Runners, was fourth in the 50-54 age category, with a run of 00:42:55, while Stocksfield Strider Tony Brown was seventh in the 50-59 age group race, with a time of 00:49:49.

Ponteland Runners’ Mick Meaney (00:44:36) was victorious in the 60-64 race. He finished ahead of Colin Walker (00:45:08), and Allen Valley Striders’ Derek Todhunter (00:46:22). Rose Todhunter also representing Allen Valley Striders, was eighth in 00:53:45. Tynedale Harrier Gavin Spickett was 17th in 01:04:01.

In the 65-69 category, Barry Phillips was third with a time of 00:51:59, Tynedale Harrier Peter Graham was sixth in 00:54:24, while Dave Humphreys was seventh with a run of 01:01:41.

In the 5K event, teenage Tynedale Harrier Harry Courtney was second with a time of 00:19:10, which also saw him win the 11-14 category.

His father Vincent Courtney was eighth in 00:24:53, and also won the 45-49 category.