On Saturday, two members of Newport & District Running Club took part in a new race: the Derrington Dash. Organised by Stafford Harriers, this is a 5k race which takes place predominantly on the Millennium Way, the path which was formerly the Stafford to Wellington railway line. Starting and finishing near St. Matthew’s Church in Derrington itself, the route initially takes runners west, before doing a 180-degree turn and heading back towards Stafford. 

Phil Hardy and Helen Mason

A small diversion from the path takes in the Millennium Green, before returning to the Millennium Way towards Stafford, where runners pass under the M6 motorway, make another 180-degree turn just before they reach Castlefields in Stafford, then return to where they started to finish the race. The race is mostly flat, with just 20 metres of elevation gain, allowing for some quick times.

Helen Mason and Phil Hardy were the two Novaportan runners to take on the race, and they finished practically together, with Helen in 35th position in a time of 25 minutes, 20 seconds, and Phil finishing just three seconds and one place behind her. A field of 115 runners took part in the race, which was followed by a fête, which included a duck race and a dog show!