Darlington 10K, 3rd August 2025

Alexia O’Rourke was out racing this weekend, and sends this report:

“This weekend I headed down to the Darlington 10k to test my legs ahead of the Great North Run.

It’s a two-lap course, which I was initially dreading, but it actually worked in the runners’ favour: the crowds were more densely packed, giving the whole race a wonderful atmosphere – especially when us slower runners were overtaken by the faster runners in the pack! I heard a few hollers for the first man and woman as they zoomed past!

I had been promised a flat course, but I can confirm it’s definitely “undulating.” That said, despite being a self-confessed hill-phobic runner, I found myself really enjoying it.

My run didn’t quite go to plan – and yes, I was beaten by Colin the Caterpillar himself – but the experience was so positive that I’d definitely consider revisiting this race in the future.”

Alexia finished in 1:06:43.

PS: Don’t worry, Alexia – I’ve heard that Colin the Caterpillar is a bit of a speed merchant!