Amongst the 40,000 runners that we watched on TV last weekend at the Great North run were three of ours, writes John Perratt.

Big Nigel Bickley is not easy to miss but he deceived us by clocking up a cracking time of 1.37.48 and not far behind him was Shaun Bagwell in 1.45.37. They were both very quiet about their trip and we think that, for both of them, it was their first half marathon. Their results are all the better for that.

Rachel Burrow, on the other hand, has clocked up many and in particular likes this one in Newcastle. Her time in just over two hours meant that she beat almost a half of the total field.

In far better weather just down the road, the Jurassic Coast 10k took place in Budleigh Salterton and follows part of the coastal footpath, river paths and rural tracks. It is hard going in places with some challenging climbs but there are also beautiful stretches along the river and coastal paths where runners can take in the fantastic views and landscape of the Jurassic Coast.

There were only half a dozen entries from the club but they spread themselves out amongst the field and all enjoyed it in their own way. Milan Goc, barely recovered from his victory in the inaugural Beer Blazer 10k last weekend, focused more on the race than the scenery and narrowly missed out on a top 10 place with a time of 41.40.

Adrian Organ wanted to show that he is now fully recovered from the injuries that have dogged him all summer and he will have been pleased with his 46.57.

Trudy Lester has really caught the running bug and despite being our only lady representative finished in fine style.

Amongst the regulars, Brian Gosling, on his own patch, had a brilliant run finishing showing a clean pair of heels to Terry Bewes and John Doherty who completed Sidmouth’s turnout very close together.