ALI Bailey set a new route record as he ran a chip time of 55:28 to win the Big 10 Miler on Sunday. The Gateshead Harrier finished ahead of unattached runner Matthew Alderson (56:37), and Chris Snowball of Wakefield District Harriers (57:01), to take the coveted title. In doing so he broke the route record of 56:00 set by Martin Barwood back in 2014. 

And it’s one he will savour, for the event, which has been an ever present for the past six years, is set to be re-launched with a new route in 2020. Richard Hunter, of event organisers Run Northumberland, said: “Ali ran a tremendous race and was about 30 seconds ahead of the previous route record. It was a good day for running.

“We had some rain the day before but it was fair and mild for the race, and we saw some impressive performances.”

Just under 300 participants descended on Kirkley Hall near Ponteland, where the circular route started, before taking in the villages of Ogle and Whalton, and surrounding countryside.

First female home was Gillian Manford, of Gateshead Harriers, who was 12th overall with a time of 1:03:46. Sunderland Stroller Wendy Chapman was second in 1:06:30, while unattached runner Madeleine Wood was third with 1:11:31.

Roland Brown, of Ponteland Runners, was the first of the district’s competitors to cross the finish line. His time of 1:08:18 earned the V45 runner 30th place overall.

Clubmate Arran Stephenson was 35th with a time of 1:08:42, while David Young was 42nd with 1:10:52.

Organisers were full of praise for runners, with members of Hexham-based Tynedale Harriers joined by competitors from across the North of England, and Scotland.

Richard added: “There was a good turn-out of club runners. We had some from Scarborough, and also those who travelled from North of the Border.

“It’s a challenging course and clearly people wanted to give it a go. We are grateful to them for supporting us and we are also thankful to Kirkley Hall who have provided a great venue over the years, and everyone who played their part behind the scenes.”

Last week, Run Northumberland announced that a new route was being sought for the Big 10 Miler, because the event had simply outgrown its surroundings. Change is also afoot for two other Run Northumberland events in 2020. The Run Northumberland Half Marathon and Big 20 Miler will use the tracks of the Jelly Tea 10-mile race, and the the Tynedale 10k.

Full results of Sunday’s race, and more information about other events can be found at visit runnation.co.uk.