LAST WEEKEND saw Elvet Striders welcome Spring in the way they know best, by giving their all in their running endeavours!

Saturday was a day of celebration at Durham parkrun as the club's most recent Couch to 5K graduates completed their first ever 5K run. The group has been led by C25K co-ordinator Kate Macpherson and recently qualified Leader in Running Fitness Debbie McFarland and received positive feedback from all involved. 

The club is looking forward to welcoming and supporting the graduates on Wednesday evening training runs and when they're ready, coaching them to reaching their next goal of completing a 10K.

More celebrations were in order for the Striders who achieved parkrun personal bests. Those doing so in Durham were Andrew Davies, Jill Ford, Joanne Parkinson, Karin Younger, Karrie Rutherford, Laura Gibson, Rachel Wilcock, Donna Austin and Allie Tyson.

Special mentions must go to Beverley Walker, a graduate of the original Couch to 5K programme in June 2013 who achieved her third PB in three runs out in four weeks. Son Adam is incredibly proud, wondering how long it will be before he is outdone in a parkrun sprint finish by his mum!

Another great achievement was made by new club member Lucy Herkes who achieved her amazing fifth PB in as many weeks! Lucy has an amazing story having recently returned to running after having brain surgery in October 2013 and waking up with no movement down her left side. 

As wonderful as these achievements are, Elvet Striders isn't all about PBs, we're a friendly, inclusive running club who encourages all members to be the best they can be, regardless or pace or distance. 

Follow us on Twitter @elvetstriders or find us on Facebook - Elvet Striders - for more information. We also have a website www.elvet-striders.org with up to date race reports and club history.

Submitted by Anita Dunseith