Tuesday 12 September 2023 – inter club 5km
A great turn-out for the timed 5km training run organised by the coaches of the senior groups. Well done to everyone who participated and hope you can replicate those performances in an official race very soon.
Saturday 16th September 2023 – NEMAA/BMAF 10,000 metre championships, Monkton Stadium
This is an annual fixture in the north east masters calendar, and 2023 also saw it host the British Masters (BMAF) too.
Races are divided by age group; Race 1 – F45 to F65 and M80, Race 2 – F35 and M55 to M65, Race 3 – M35 to M50.
Elswick had two competitors this year who bravely took on the 25 lapper, in Race 3.
Justin Durham stepped out of his comfort zone having decided to just give it a go. Justin’s usual preferred distance is up to 5k, so this could well have been a big ask for him to race doble the distance. But he produced a very creditable time of 38:38.7 crossing the line 3rd in his class. That earned both the NEMAA and BMAF M45 Bronze medal for Justin.
Despite a superb time of 36:59.25 James Douglas was not in the medals on this occasion. The field was particularly strong in the M50 class this year meaning James was 4th – but there’s always next year…
Full results: http://harrierleague.com/tandf/bmaf10k2023/meeting1/results3.htm
Sunday 17 September 2023 – Alnwick Harriers Northumberland Coastal Run
A change of timing for this race did not affect the typical high demand for places. Usually held in July, the race was scheduled in September to avoid disturbing the nesting birds on National Trust property. The course is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and mixture of on and off-road terrain which means it attracts runners locally and further afield. Starting on the beach at Beadndell, the course heads south through Newton by the Sea, along Embleton Bay passing Dunstanburgh Castle, along the coastal path through Craster and Boulmer, before returning to the sand and the finish at Alnmouth Bay. The distance is approximately 14 miles depending on the tide and the course each runner elects to take along the beaches and up and down the cliffs.
Our intrepid representatives had impressive runs in the autumnal conditions. First home was Jude Nutt in 1:37:30, first V45 woman and third woman overall, finishing behind Morpeth’s Jane Hodgson V40, 1:30:42) and TBH’s Rebecca Blain (senior, 1:35:33). Jude has an impressive record on this course, having won the title in the past, and she continues to excel well into her 40s.
Only a week after their efforts in the Great North Run, Roland Brown and Lee Coulson were in fine form. In 55th position overall, Roland Brown finished in 1:42:18, 8th V50 male; and Lee finished in 78th position in 1:46:38, 12th V45. We don’t see Andy Middleton at training, so it’s always a nice surprise to see him appear at races. He finished in 1:59:42 (186th, 23rd V45). And last, but not least, the ever-smiling Jeff Emmerson finished in 2:59:05, 8th V70.
It’s got to be one of the toughest race terrains out there, but the stunning surroundings distract you from the gruelling effort of completing the course. Got to be tried at least once. Well done and congratulations to our five successful competitors of 2023.
http://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16576&RId=6223