A new race drew the crowds in Gosforth at the weekend, with a sizeable entry.

Despite the after effects of the heavy rain on Saturday, which prevented a number of athletes from travelling, the inaugural Viking Way 5k race from Gosforth to Seascale and back on Sunday morning attracted an enthusiastic entry and some very fast times in perfect running conditions.

The field was led home by Ben Opie of Netherhall AC in 16.31.

After a thrilling sprint for the line, Bobby Hagan of Border Harriers (17.08) just pipped promising junior Zak Anderson of Cumbria Fell Runners (17.10) to the line for second and third places.

The first female, Elizabeth Watson (Derwent AC), finished fourth overall in 19.49, with second female Karen Beckwith (20.10) taking fifth place. Liz Tongue took the third ladies place in 22.34.

The team prize was won by the Derwent AC team of Elizabeth Watson, Jo Ritson, and Matt Lynch.

Organisers Blengdale Runners were also well represented by Ben Seed (20.27), Rachel Read (25.13), Julie Townsley (25.28), Lindsay Buck (26.19), Lauren Kenwright (27.10), David Herdman (27.17), John Reed (28.19), Amy Fisher (30.29), and Peter Manning (32.00).

Other members of the club were kept busy recording and processing the results and handing out medals to all finishers.

The race organisers would like to thank all the runners, everyone who helped on the day and also the race sponsors Robinson+Co, and Westlakes Hotel and Restaurant (who also provided refreshments to the competitors at the finish).

All proceeds from the race, and the Gosforth 10-mile and 10-kilometre races (held earlier in the year) will be donated to local charities and good causes. Full race results are available on the Blengdale Runners Facebook page.

Provisional dates for next year’s races are June 12 for the Gosforth 10 Mile and Fun Run; September 3 for the Gosforth 10K; and October 13 for the second Viking Way 5K.