CRAIG ISHERWOOD, Sunderland Harriers’ most prolific racer, was back again yesterday in competitive mode for the Old Monks multi-terrain race at Hart Village, writes Kevin Carr.
The 27-year-old improved on his eighth place of last year to finish the Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers’ 5.5 mile race in third place (32.02) – 90 seconds faster than in 2012.
Isherwood, who moved up from fourth place to land himself a place in the frame, said: “I was going well through the denes and coping with the mud. I was catching them going downhill and this is where I got into third. It is a tough course in parts, but it seemed to suit me. I’m all set now for the Durham Cathedral relays on Sunday, where I want to run well.’’
The race winner was new Morpeth recruit Richard Morrell (30.46), ahead of Durham City Harrier James Askew (31.23). Fourth was Gregory Jayasuriya of Middlesbrough (32.14), fifth was David Beech (Tyne Bridge) in 33.06 and sixth Hartlepool’s Paul Wilson (33.17).
Sunderland Strollers had Gavin Sword in 19th (36.30), Paul Dunlop 37th (38.43), Marc Richardson 60th (40.44), David Groark 73rd (42.15), Harry Harrison 78th (42.28) and Malcolm Cox 95th (44.41). Houghton Harrier David Wallace finished 22nd (36.49).
The women’s race was won by Middlesbrough’s Carolyn Ollis in 46th (39.38), Sunderland Stroller Vicki Booth was 83rd (42.43), Rachel Ball 91st (43.57) and Alyson West 96th (44.49).
H Durham’s Rosie Smith was 14th in the women’s race and Sunderland’s Patrick Martin (Stockport) 23rd in the men’s event at the Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country on Saturday.