Jackson retains Dalton Park title

They started at one end and came out on the Murton side, while the much smaller 5km and 1km events started in the open.

The multi-terrain race was won by Elvet Strider Stephen Jackson, who retained his title with an emphatic win.

He won by nearly 200 yards from Jonty Del La Harpe, clocking 33.54 to his rivals (34.39).

Former Sunderland Harrier Sparrow Morley (Tyne Bridge) was third (34.53).

Sunderland Harrier’s improving Paul McLachlan was 14th (39.00) and Houghton Harrier Tom Whelan finished 16th (39.05).

Sunderland Harrier David White won the Over-60 award with his time of 48.34 for 84th overall.

Low Fell’s Hannah Wood (39.11) won the women’s race with Sedgefield’s Katie Dodds second (40.58).

Early leader Sunderland Harrier Vicky Haswell was third in 33rd overall (42.33).

On Saturday, she had competed at the Sheffield Indoor Open meeting over 600m where she clocked 1.51.04.

Also on Saturday, at the Croft motor racing circuit, the first 5km road race took place and many athletes travelled to the outskirts of Darlington attracted to the venue for a fast time.

And so it proved to be a fast course with five men under 15 minutes, with Leeds runner John Ashcroft winning in 14.43 from Morpeth’s Carl Avery (14.51).

Next came Sunderland 5km winner and Northern champion Dominic Shaw (New Marske) in 14.52, George Lowry (Morpeth) 14.55 and Carl Smith (Tyne Bridge Harriers) was fifth (14.54).

Sunderland Harrier Nathan Reed, having his first 5km since 2016, was 15th (16.31).

Sunderland’s Sophie Burnett (Birtley) also had a fast time in finishing 20th overall in 17.41 with her clubmate Tracy Millmore second on 18.21.