Middlesbrough 10k is ‘true spirit of Teesside’ in wake of tragedy

The event began with an emotional tribute to the two Cleveland Police officers who died in a horror head-on smash on the A66 .

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were remembered with applause before the start of the race as competitors gathered on the start line.

Middlesbrough’s Max Creasey took first place in the men’s race, crossing the line in 30 minutes and 32 seconds.

The 22-year-old, who represents Middlesbrough Athletic Club (Mandale), narrowly held off Finn Brodie, who finished second in 30 minutes and 35 seconds. Adam Theaker was third in 32 minutes and two seconds.

Creasey said: “I’m really happy to take the win on my home course. I’ve had a few second places so it’s really nice to finally come first.

Max Creasey, 22, was first place in the men’s rankings. (Image: MAX CREASEY)

“Big thanks to all the event organisers and volunteers for putting on a great event.

“It’s been a tough week for Teessiders with the loss of two of our heroic police officers and a load of negative stories about the area, but it was really nice to see the true spirit of Teesside from thousands of runners and supporters.”

Jessica Robertson-Dover, of City of York AC, was the first woman home, completing the course in 37 minutes and six seconds.

Jessica Robert-Dover came home in first place in the women’s category. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Ruth Cole finished second in 38 minutes 53 seconds, with Abby Codling taking third in 39 minutes and 35 seconds.

Others ran not for to set a personal best but raise money for charity, while some donned extravagant costumes including Paul Waugh who dressed as Fred Flinstone and Helen Carr who ran as an inflatable triceratops.

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Middlesbrough 5 and 10k run. (Image: Stuart Boulton)