On a glorious summer day, Hartlepool Rovers rugby club had four entrants in the annual Nutty Slack Race, a test of strength and endurance that is a beloved tradition at the Hartlepool Carnival.

The Nutty Slack Race requires runners to carry a 25kg bag of coal around a 1.2km course that winds through the streets of Hartlepool, finishing outside the borough hall. This year's course took the runners from the Globe pub, toward the old library buildings, right toward the fire station, and then back down Durham Street to the finish line.

Leading the charge for Hartlepool Rovers was Dan Charters. Charters shot out to an early lead and was never challenged, cruising to a comfortable victory.

Rovers' Darren Smith claimed the third place spot on the podium, while teammates Tyler Dean and young Joe Ward also put in strong performances, just missing out on a top-three finish.

The lads looked fit and strong and are really shaping up well as we head into our first preseason match on August 17th against Stockton.

The event was sponsored by Mick Bradley Groundworks and Landscaping, and the club expressed its gratitude for the support.

Charters' victory wasn’t unexpected. The personal trainer is in good shape and any potential new clients can check out his personal training business webiste HERE

Preseason continues for the Rovers lads and new players are encouraged to come along to Rovers for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.