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It was a triumphant but poignant day for Radcliffe Athletic Club when 25 of its members took part in the Great North Run.

They completed the world-famous half-marathon on Sunday in memory of former teammate Matthew Pullan who died one year ago of a brain tumour aged just 18.

Among those taking part in the race to raise money for Brain Tumour Research was Matthew’s twin brother, Alex.

Members swapped their usual yellow and black vests for the pink colours of the charity when they joined more than 60,000 runners from around the world for the iconic race from Newcastle to South Shields.

There were great performances all round and several personal bests as they contended with warm weather and a congested course from start to finish.

John Gibbs was first home for the club in a new personal best of 1:26:21, just ahead of Gary Adkins in 1:26:41.

Matthew Smith also notched up a pb of 1:31:06, and the other results were: Rob Shiels (1:32:54), Chris Paxton (1:38:26), Mia Derbyshire (1:38:29); Alex Pullan (1:39:20 pb); Ian Swan (1:44:12); Peter Hunter (1:51:19), Kris Lee (1:51:38), Stephen O’Hagan (1:57:02), Karen Doherty (2:09:56 pb), Fay Davies (2:13:01); Emma Wolstencroft (2:18:12), Stephen Crowe(2:19:00), Gail Champion (2:22:22), Elaine Bailey (2:24:49), Caroline Malone (2:34:32 pb), Louise Shield (2:36:35), Sarah Cantwell (2:36:59), Debi Warrington (2:40:33), Tracy Wroe (2:45:04), Kelly Gallagher (2:48:27), Jackie Faith (2:48:28), and Bev Quinton (2:45:04).

After the race, Alex said: “It’s an honour that people wanted to do the Great North Run in Matthew’s memory, that they thought so highly of him.

“I ran with a photo of Matthew in my pocket, and it really kept me going during the race.”

It was a long day for the RAC athletes taking part, with many of them travelling to the North East by coach which left Radcliffe Leisure Centre shortly before 6am, returning after 10pm.They were waved off by chairwoman Donna Cartwright, who had got up early to drive members to the meeting point.

There was a nervous start for former club chairman Chris Paxton, who organised the trip and liaised with Brain Tumour Research, which provided charity entries for the club’s runners who did not get a place in the general ballot. The coach driver forgot to pick him up en route to the leisure centre; then there were a tense few minutes when the driver struggled to get the coach into gear.

Also, Peter Hunter slept through his alarm and missed the coach. He had to drive instead, with Chris arranging for him to park at a relative’s house in the North East and get a lift to the start.

The runners set off in waves, with some members queuing for more than an hour to cross the start line. By then, the elite runners had finished!

The support along the course was fantastic, with constant chants of “oggy, oggy, oggy”, children giving the runners high fives and people handing out sweets, ice pops and even beer! Bands were dotted along the route and the finishing stretch along the sea front was packed with cheering well-wishers.

However, the sheer number of people taking part made it difficult to run at a constant pace, and everyone had to dodge other runners from start to finish. Hot conditions also made it tough, with many members getting sunburnt!

After collecting their finishers’ medals, T-shirts and goodie bags, members relaxed in an area set up for people who were running for charity. Brain Tumour Research provided snacks and drinks and special wooden commemorative medals.

Back on the coach, members raised a glass of bubbly as Chris gave a toast to Matthew and congratulated everyone for taking part. Heavy traffic meant long delays in leaving Gateshead and the gang stopped for a meal in the village of Osmotherley before heading home.

Radcliffe AC has raised just over half its £10,000 target which, if met in full, will fund four days’ worth of brain tumour research. People can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/radcliffeac

Club secretary Ian Swan said: "Matthew was an inspirational character at the club. He had been through such a lot, but he always had a smile on his face.

"He was one of life's good guys. When he died it just resonated with the whole club and the run was something we wanted to do to mark it.”

Other Radcliffe runners were also in action over the weekend, and Kath Davies ran the Yorkshireman Marathon in 5:53:49. She was third FV50 at the tough off-road event which starts in Howarth.

Steven Fawcett was the club’s sole representative at the Blackleach Country Park 5 Mile Race, the latest fixture in the Central Lancashire Grand Prix which is contested by local clubs. He was 28th in 36:31.

Meanwhile, Alison Howarth ran the Yarrow River Slash 10k, a varied trail race that includes running through a river, in 1:16:00.Radcliffe runners were out in force again at the popular 5K parkruns – with some using it to stretch their legs before the Great North Run!

Results from the different venues were: Aldery Park – Stephen Crowe (27:58) and Bev Quinton (volunteer tail walker 58:02); Alexandra – Chris Paxton (21:55) and Peter Hunter (22:32); Bolton – Rob Lister (21:55); Glossop – Cheryl Gallagher (34:40); Hyndburn – Helen Kay (31:40); Oldham – Sheila Jones (first woman 23:52); Peel - Mike Kontowtt (20:27) and junior Robbie Parkinson (second JM15-17 23:07).