TWO groups of East Durham runners have picked up the pace to raise more than £13,000 for good causes this year. Vane Tempest Running Club and Seaham Aspiring Ladies running group didn’t sit still during the coronavirus pandemic. Instead supported a wide range of organisations throughout the year – including local food banks and cancer charities. The charity funds have been raised from virtual events planned by the groups, which enabled the members to run solo or in smaller groups when coronavirus restrictions have allowed. A total of 18 charities were supported by the runners during 2020. Running events included the Great Seaham Run – a replacement for The Great North Run – which took place in September, a 30-day mileage challenge, a virtual 5km run, Red January, Race For Life and a 100 mile a month challenge.