Sporting Events

Long after the worn out trainers have been thrown in the bin, and a new pair purchased for next year, the memory that stays with me of the Middlesbrough 10k was the way in which the event was supported not only by the runners, but also by the thousands of people who lined the route and made it a day that was shared and enjoyed by the whole town.

Approaching the start line on Sunday, encouraged by Benjamin the Labrador who shared all the training runs around Acklam, my spirits were lifted after the previous days defeat at Sunderland by the shouts of encouragement from fellow runners.

Adrian Bevington, the director of communications for the FA (and a big Boro fan), was amongst the runners and was still buzzing after England’s great win in Croatia.

He had clearly benefited from training with Fabio Capello and the rest of the England squad as he made his way through the crowd, but I decided to settle for a place near the back of the field, optimistically next to a sign that declared “70 minutes plus”.

There were a number of runners who were raising money for many good causes and this must be one of the biggest events to raise money for charity in the area.

I think that next year Jimmy Wattis, race director, is going to try and establish exactly how much is raised on the day for next years run.

Any fears I had about the course were quickly put to one side as I set off up Acklam Road towards the Bluebell Hotel, and after politely declining the offer to stop for a pint... I continued towards Stewarts Park.

One of the biggest laughs came as I approached the traffic lights near Keith Road, the lights turned from green to red.

The crowd urged me to keep on going. As I continued on my way I heard a police constable shout that next time I jumped a red light I would be in trouble! (I think he was joking).

Before the run I was told that the final kilometre along Hall Drive would be memorable, and so it proved as I was joined by colleagues from BBC Tees to cross the finish line.

Officially, my run came in at 76 minutes, not a time to suggest a place in team GB for 2012 but certainly a P.B. (parmo best) and I achieved my personal targets of not walking or stopping at any stage of the 10k.

Would I do the 10k again? The answer is yes, I have already signed up for next year.

Jimmy Wattis has set a target of 5,000 runners for September 2009 and I am sure that we can achieve that. After all, if a Boro fan accompanied by a black Labrador can get in shape to run anyone can!

I have, however, one target in mind… next year I must beat the runner dressed as Scooby Doo!

Look back at Ali's training diary by clicking the links at the top right of this page.