It will run great. It will be slower than a LiPo at the same voltage, primarily due to weight.

The best runtimes and performance I have found so far in NiCd or NiMH is to always use a matched pack. In some instances a lower mah matched pack will outlast a higher mah non-matched.

I use matched NiMH 6-cells with a Novak 5800 with sintered rotor in this TC5. It has a great balance of R/L weight, and 25min runtime. The power weight ratio is just about right for it's handling.