Saturday 25th January 2020 saw the running of the Northern XC Championships in Bedale just over an hour’s drive south of Newcastle.
The conditions on the day were great for running however hidden and lurking away amongst the trees was mud of pure evil, I believe today when writing this report there are still some runners attempting to break free from the strong grasp of the mud.
The senior ladies were set loose at 14:15hrs by a loud bang which took some spectators by surprise as they had gathered to watch to watch the start. Amy Fuller continued her fine form as she ran a solid race over a tough 4.81 mile course to finish in 45th from a field of 356 with a time of 33:02. Next to cross the line for Elswick Harriers in 67th was the ever impressive Judith Nutt in 34:10. The slight figure of Catherine Lowes finished in a very commendable 121st in a superb time of 37:24. The winning female was a name you might recognise in Jessica Judd from Blackburn Harriers & AC who roared home in 28:48. With the ladies needing 4 counters to score this meant that on this occasion they were classed as an incomplete team. However this does not take away the huge amount of effort the ladies demonstrated on that afternoon.
The last action of the day saw a field of 584 men stampede away from the start at 15:05hrs to tackle the 7.73 mile route with some knowing and not knowing what lie ahead. A mention goes to a former Elswick Harrier now running for Gateshead Harriers in the name of Calum Johnson who tore the field apart as he often does at the moment to claim victory in an incredible time of 41:41. In reverse order crossing the line for the Elswick men were Rob Wilson 575th 1:19:31 a gutsy effort from Rob. Club coach Tom Hanson 554th 1:13:25 a superb effort considering that he cannot take part in many of the club sessions. Rob Lambert is never one to shy away from a tough event 515th 1:07:17. Peter Sloan whom always impresses me 406th 1:00:31. The vastly improving man of tweed Simon Allen just holding off Peter 404th 1:00:24. In the thick of marathon training Richard Houghton 291st 55:44.
The Guys despite their efforts finished as a team in 37th however there were many incomplete teams participating as 6 counters were needed to score.
A mention for Amy Fuller, her impressive performances over the past few months have rightfully earned her a call up to represent the North Eastern Cross Country Team at Loughborough intercounties on the 7th March 2020. A real asset to our club.