BERE Alston Trekkers’ Andy Cowden was in Cheshire recently for the autumn half ar Capesthorne Hall.

Starting and finishing on the estate of the large country house (built in the 1720s) with the hall as an imposing backdrop, 1,500 runners followed a circuitous route around leafy country lanes.

Andy helped to pace a young lady who was running only her second half marathon and wanted to better her time from her first attempt three years ago.

Job completed as she bettered her previous time by some fifteen minutes. Andy crossed the line in 2:30:45.

Meanwhile, Will Hine travelled up to the North East to join a record 63,000 runners taking part in the 45th Great North Run, which starts in Newcastle city centre.

On an unexpectedly warm and dry day, Will managed to negotiate the crowds of runners and finish in a time of 2:08:02 to claim a well-earned medal.