Anita Nott Memorial – All female 5km race – 26 June 2023 – Jesmond Dene (organisers -George Routledge / Heaton Harriers)
What has now become an annual Elswick Ladies night out, the Anita Nott Memorial is the only all-female road race in the northeast. Set in the picturesque Jesmond Dene, the 5.4km course offers the challenge of steep inclines, tight turns, stone steps and narrow pathways. It starts on Armstrong Bridge, heads into Jesmond Dene, back to the bridge and towards Heaton Park, a u-turn back towards Jesmond and finishes on Armstrong Bridge where cold water and chocolate bars await.
It is such a civilised event –394 runners in the field, but no pushing or shoving at the start. The participants observed a one minute silence in memory of Heaton Harrier Anita Nott, listened attentively to the race briefing and then we were off.
We had fourteen participants. First home was Justina Heslop who finished in third place overall in 18.44, only 39 seconds behind the winner (Shona Haston of Gateshead Harriers, senior) and nine seconds behind the second placed Jennifer Berry of Wallsend Harriers (senior). She took home prizes for third place and first V40 woman. In fifth place, Imogen Bungay clocked an impressive time of 19.07 and won the prize for first under 18.
In addition to Imogen, we had three other juniors compete – Hannah Waterhouse (22.38, 54th), Zara Bungay (23.18 74th) and Sydney Bungay (25.45 138th). They scooped the prize for winning team of juniors – more chocolate all round.
Jayne Cuskern took 6 minutes off her previous time on the same course in 25.16. Overcoming surgery, Susanne Stephenson an impressive 22.53 (second V55) and Bella Pearce 24.29. Joanne Webber celebrated her birthday that day with a time of 25.54, with Debbie partaking in an early birthday celebration with a time of 23.01. We welcomed Gillian Johnson to her first outing at this race in a time of 25.22 and stalwarts Imogen King (25.23) and Kate Taylor (28.28) concluded our line-up of Elswick runners.
After the race, we returned to the HQ at Millhouses Café and set up a picnic with fizzy drinks (note they were non-alcoholic for the juniors), nibbles and lots of cake. It’s one of the loveliest ways to spend a midsummer evening. Looking forward to seeing the crew there again next year.
https://runabc.co.uk/anita-nott-memorial-women-only-run-54k
Weetslade Relays – Wednesday 28 June 2023 –Lockey Park, Wideopen (organisers – Claremont)
The races come thick and fast at this time of year. Two days after the Anita Nott, I was out again abandoning my 12 year old son for a mid week summer race. I was listed as the reserve, but my aged legs couldn’t cope with another race, so child no. 2 (Bella Russell) was drafted in at short notice.
Three Elswick teams were competing. Our first team put in an impressive shift. Rich Houghton was a late substitute and took on the first leg, handing over to Justina Heslop (third place in the Anita Nott on Monday was just a warm up), and finally young Callum Eldridge. Rich was solid as ever (15.59), Justina was the fastest female overall (15.21) and Callum held his own against experienced senior runners (14.28). They finished in 8th place in 45.48) behind first placed Sunderland Harriers (42.24), second placed Morpeth Harriers (44.12) and third placed Wallsend Harriers (44.19).
In 30th place was Simon Allen (16.45), Hazel Bough (16.56) and Paul Taylor (16.45) (50.36), and in 42nd place was John Rippon (16.48), Bella Russell (17.23) and Alan Thompson (17.57)(52.08).
There were impressive runs by all nine of our athletes. Many thanks to them for representing our club in this popular and competitive team event.
https://www.claremontroadrunners.co.uk/2023/06/29/weetslade-relays-28th-june-2023/
Chevy Chase – Saturday 1 July 2023, The Cheviot, Northumberland
Ben Hall was one of the hard cases taking on this challenging race. Tough terrain, mid-summer, middle of nowhere. Give me a road marathon any day. Here’s Ben’s summary:
We had five Elswick runners (Jonny Lowes, Mike Steven, James Sunley, Pete Dawson, Ben Hall) on the start line alongside a few other former members. An early start time this year was ideal, but the anticipated 50mph winds were a bit daunting.
A few quick photos and then we were off into a slight headwind, getting stronger as we climbed Cheviot. We then descended all the height we had gained before climbing Hedgehope, the wind now behind us providing some assistance unlike the head high ferns. Once at the top of Hedgehope, the halfway point, it all seemed downhill from there. but no easier as the legs were like jelly at this point. The changeable weather added to the experience making things interesting throughout the day.
The conditions and 4000ft of elevation didn’t hamper the winner who broke the course record in an incredible time of 2 hours 38 minutes, the previous record having stood since 1995!
Back to our runners: Pete (4.43) returning from injury, James (5.03) in his first Chevy, Mike (5.10) fresh from a 24 hour relay and Jonny (5.37) back on track, all doing amazingly to finish well under the allotted cut off time. Well done everyone!
Thanks Ben – you make it sound almost slightly appealing! Lots of respect for you all.
Great North 10km – Sunday 2 July 2023, Newcastle
Blimey, there’s more. I picked a bumper week to be writing this report. Mike’s poured me another glass of wine so I’ll crack on.
Quite a windy day to be running a 10km but that didn’t deter our 18 representatives in the Great North 10k. I assume that the race is as slick as its big brother the GNR – comments welcome from our participants. Back from his holidays, Luke Hilliard finished in 17th position in a time of 34.57. Not sure how he finds time to train in between trips away and coaching other folk! Continuing on an upward trajectory, Sean Mennim was 31st in 36.25 and just behind was Steven Horn in 36.52 – a while since we’ve seen Steve run a 10km which is fantastic. Husband and wife duo Paul and Kate Taylor ran in 41.51 and 64.04 respectively. The Connolly brothers were out too, with the senior (Shaun) finishing ahead of little bro Martin. Fabulous to see some new additions taking on the 10km distance – Dave Powell, Jack Graham, Laura Miller – well done. Despite nursing a hamstring injury Roland Brown cruised round in 52.48. Congratulations also go to Nigel Hollier, David Hodgson (wow a road race David), Sarah Muparutsa, Sean Motsi, Maxine Cottam, Gillian Johnson (second race of the week) and Rob Coulson.
https://www.greatrun.org/results/1176/?club=Elswick+Harriers&page=1
Windermere Triathlons & Duathlons Sprint
Onto triathlon, Andrew and Adam Bell were in action over in Windermere completing in the Wild Deer Sprint Triathlon. Both doing very well, with younger brother Andrew coming out on top finishing in 3rd overall, Adam finishing 6th overall.
http://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16576&RId=3231
And finally,
Iron Man Bolton – Sunday 2 July 2023
He had a lucky escape at the Lanzarote Iron Man, but determined to make use of his extraordinary fitness, Mark Turnbull successfully completed the Bolton Iron Man triathlon. Eleven hours something and finishing as fifth V 55 might ensure him a place in the next world championship in Nice. After the 3,800m swim, 112 mile bike ride, he managed a 3.41 marathon -amazing. Well done Mark.
