Internal 10 mile – Club Championship Race #7
Our internal 10 miler, our penultimate race of the 2024 club championship, is a familiar route for most.
Starting outside the Leisure Centre we head along the Keelman Way towards Prudhoe. Our runners were welcomed by Mike and Mark who handed welcome refreshments (water not alcohol) then continued onto amateur photographer, Andrea, who was stationed on the turn point just past Ovingham Bridge where we’d start the 5 mile return leg.
The day saw young Sydney Bungay first to cross the line in a very impressive 77 minutes, quickest on the day was Luke, sticking to his marathon pace, he ran a superb time of 56 minutes.
Debutants Dominic John and David King both ran brilliant times, Dom finishing in 76 minute and David 69 minutes – great work fellas!
In total we had 20 runners, all running fantastic times, all cheered on by our 7 helpers. Tom, Simon, Chris and Michelle at the start/finish, Mike, Andrea and Mark at the turn point. Thank you for giving up your Saturday mornings to be involved.
Well done everyone!
Kielder 10km
A perfect day for a lumpy run around Kielder forrest; the 10km is a brilliant but challenging route where runners are rewarded with a mammoth climb in the first mile. The hard start is worth it though as you get to enjoy a route down through the forrest and along the reservoir where crowds welcome all runners into a finishing funnel. It’s definitely one to do if you like an off road race.
We had six athletes competing, Rachel was our first over the line in 45 mins followed by Mike 55 mins then Caroline 56 mins. Sean managed to get the better of mam, Sarah – the family tussle continues, Sean finishing in 60 mins with Sarah 61 mins… Ruby was just behind 72 mins.
I hope you all enjoyed the race, it’s one of my favourite 10kms. Well done all!
Jarrow 10km
In its second year the Jarrow 10km seems to be a popular event. Adults get the choice of an A and B race. It also offers an opportunity for the up and coming superstars to run in the junior event.
We had two running in the A Race, Luke once again showed his speed and amazing ability to recover quickly by running 34 mins, back in action, James Douglas ran a superb time of 35 mins.
In the B Race, Gillian led the Elswick charge running 45 mins, great to see you back running after injury. Fior was next in running an impressive 48 mins. Kim and Maxine following shortly after, both making a race for the finishing line… Kim just pipped Max to the line both finishing with 56 mins, Max bagged a PB which is excellent as she’s struggling with injury.
Brilliant running by everyone!
Washington Coalfield Duathlon
After a late night at the awards ceremony, Mike took on the Coalfield duathlon.
Held at the Nissan Test Track; the course is traffic free and ideal for racing. Competitors start with a 5km run, move onto the bike to complete a 20km circuit, then with a bit saddle sore run 2.5km.
Mike competed the event in 61 minutes and finished 15th overall, 3rd in his category.
Celebrating our amazing volunteers…
Huge congratulations to Mary Avery and Simon Allen who won awards at the England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards.
Held at the Civic Centre, we had no fewer than five Elswick Harriers shortlisted for awards. Mary in the ‘Services to Athletics and Running’, Simon in the ‘Contribution to Athletics and Running’ both taking home the trophy. Andrea and Tom were on the shortlisted for coach of the year and Eric for newcomer to volunteering.
All very deserving of the nominations; thank you for all you do supporting us as individuals and driving the club forward.
Future Fixtures:
2024 Club Champs: Final race for 2024 is now open… 10th November – Heaton Memorial 10km – enter online now
Useful website for races: http://www.northeastraces.com
2024 North East Harrier League:
Saturday 28/9 NEHL – Thornley Farm
Sunday 13/10 NEHL – Druridge Bay
Sunday 20/10 NEHL – Lambton
Saturday 23/11 NEHL Course Nr Prudhoe NEW COURSE
Saturday 14/12 NE XC Championships
Saturday 4/1/25 NEHL Wrekenton
Sunday 2/2/25 NEHL Sherman Cup/Davidson Shield – Temple Park
Saturday 1/3/25 Alnwick Castle
See facebook posts if you want to be registered or speak to Ben and Andrea.
2025/2026 Club Championship races to be announced soon.