Entrants from across the country took part in the 14-mile Coastal Run, organised by the Alnwick Harriers.

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The race, crowned Britain's best for 2007 by Runner's World magazine, was won by Barrow Runners' Tim Hartley in 1:11:49, close to a course record.

But despite Hartley snatching the crown away from defending champion – Alnwick Harrier David Kirkland – the area's running clubs gave an impressive performance.

Kirkland himself, the only Harrier ever to win the race, came third overall, just two minutes behind the impressive Hartley.

Despite defeat, it was a performance which pleased last year's champion; his 1:13:45 race time earning him a Personal Best.

David said: "I found the race really good. It was very fast and I felt I was flying all the way. I've smashed my PB by five minutes so I am well pleased with that."

His quick finish capped a fine day for Alnwick Harriers.

The hosts came second in the men's teams prize thanks to Kirkland, Geoff Campbell (1:20:09) and Richard Agan (1:27:18) while Alnwick's women finished third best female team. Jo Gascoigne-Owens (1:31:39), Christina Murton (1:47:56) and Michelle Davison (1:53:41) helping Alnwick to the accolade.

But not to be outdone by their County Town rivals, the Morpeth Harriers also put up a fine performance.

Michael Morris finished second overall with a time of 1:13:05 in what was his first coastal outing.

His second place finish helped tee up a win for Morpeth's men. Phil Walker and Paul Waterston were on hand on seal the prize for Morpeth.

First woman home was Judith Nutt from Elswick Running Club. She finished the course in 1:26:02 to take the gong for the second time in six years.

Another notable performance was Claire Bagness of Wooler who ran home in a time of 1:39:21.

Eight hundred finished Sunday's race which ran from Beadnell to Alnmouth via Dunstanburgh, Craster and Boulmrer.

And the latest coastal run pleased organisers and Alnwick Harrier committee members.

Mike Henry, a committee member, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day. We had some fast times, it was perfect conditions for running.

"We are delighted with Dave Kirkland's performance. He put in tremendous effort, just like all of the runners did."

The popularity of the event, which had sold out by March, also impressed Mike.

"For the first year in a number of years we had to close the entry. We had 1,500 runners trying to get in on the race," he said.

So can the event win the Runner's World gong for the second year in a row?

Mike added: "We are working hard and trying to tweak things and make things better. We are always keen to take up suggestions and make it slightly better."


RESULTS (top 10):

Men: 1 T Hartley (Barr, M40) 1:11:49; 2 M Morris (Morp) 1:13:05; 3 D Kirkland (Aln) 1:13:45; 4 J Buis (Heat) 1:14:11; 5 D Purvis (CleS) 1:16:09; 6 P Walker (Morp, M40) 1:17:09; 7 P Waterston (Morp, M40) 1:19:30; 8 D Freeman (Tad, M40) 1:19:52; 9 G Campbell (Aln) 1:20:09; 10 G Dixon (Morp, M45) 1:20:20.
M55: 1 R Hall (Blyth) 1:26:55; M60: 1 J Bell (Els) 1:22:42; 2 M McNally (Els) 1:27:35.

Women: 1 J Nutt (Els) 1:26:02; 2 D Appleton (Hav, W35); 3 A Green (Keigh) 1:29:23; 4 K Simpson (Gate) 1:30:35; 5 J Gascoigne-Owens (Aln0 1:31:39; 6 C Buis (Heat) 1:36:41; 8 S Grimes (OWLS, W50) 1:38:47; 9 F Turley (Heat) 1:39:03; 10 R Chinnery (Tyne, W40) 1:39:13
W45: 1 C Bagness (Wool); 1:39:21; W55: 1 J Kilgour (Clare) 1:44:32.

Other local club results:

Alnwick Harriers: A Spiller 1:33:18; D Straker (M40) 1:35:48; S Carter 1:36:09; H Porteous (M45) 1:39:04; J Patton 1:42:02; C Gillon (M45) 1:42:41; C Murton (F40) 1:47:56; J Gray (M45) 1:49:19; D Murton (M40) 1:50:28; D Eccleston (M40) 1:50:48; M Davison (F40) 1:53:41; D Davison (M45) 1:53:47; M Makin (M45) 1:55:33; D Eastham (F35) 1:58:52; D Henderson (M50) 1:58:55; D Coates (M45) 1:59:19; J Hardy (F40) 2:02:01; S Henry 2:04:37; L Frater (F45) 2:05:44; C Janson (F35) 2:05:52; A Howe 2:05:55; F Wilde 2:16:05; M Campbell (F40) 2:19:59.

Alnwick Tri Club: A Wilde 2:15:37.

Wooler Running Club: G McWilliams (M45) 1:44:17; S Curry 1:55:27; C Dodds (F35) 2:11:14; J Ord (F45) 2:13:50; V Curry (F35) 2:13:58; K Spoor (F45) 2:29:02.

Northumberland Fell Runners: D Legg (M40) 1:50:28.