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Thousands take part in cross country championships

Evie LakeNorth East and Cumbria
News imageIan Dunn A crowd of runners in different coloured running vests running down a hill. There are spectators lining either side of them. They are on a grassy bank which is lined with leafless trees in the background.Ian Dunn
The English National Cross Country Championships took place in Sedgefield on Saturday

Thousands of runners took part in the English National Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

The event took place at Hardwick East Park in Sedgefield, marking the national's return to County Durham for the first time in 25 years.

Hosted by Sedgefield Harriers, the club said the north-east of England was well-represented and 50 athletes competed alongside their volunteering duties.

The senior women's race was won by Lucy Jones from Herne Hill Harriers while the senior men's race was won by Hugo Milner of Derby Athletic Club.

Of the 3,800 athletes involved, about 1,800 were junior runners, while the biggest single field of the day was 1,300 in the senior men's race.

News imageBen Cuthbertson An aerial photo of the course which is made up entirely of grass with brown patches where the ground has been ran on. The course curves across the field and is marked by white tape. Spectators are by the side of the course.Ben Cuthbertson
The championships returned to County Durham for the first time in 25 years
News imageIan Dunn Three women running on the course. The one in the foreground is wearing a white and blue Sedgefield Harriers vest with blue running briefs on and an orange race bib. Behind her is a woman with red hair in an orange and black running kit on. There is a woman behind her who is in blue and yellow with blonde hair.Ian Dunn
Sedgefield Harriers said they had runners of all ages taking part
News imageChris Lines The start of the senior men's race with a large group of men in the white and blue Sedgefield Harriers vests looking into the camera and waving. They are standing in a grassy field and the camera is slightly above them.Chris Lines
About 1,300 took part in the senior men's race
News imageBen Cuthbertson Male runners coming over the brow of the hill in a tight group. Spectators line the side behind some tape.Ben Cuthbertson
The leader of Durham County Council said he hoped it will inspire more to take up running

Sue Dobson, chair of Sedgefield Harriers said the club was "proud to host this prestigious national event".

"I am proud that we had 50 athletes from the club taking part, representing every age decade from our talented teenagers to one lady in her 70s."

Reform leader of Durham County Council, councillor Andrew Husband, said he hoped the event "will help to put County Durham on the map for future prestigious events" and inspire more residents to take up running.

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