Saturday 12 April
Stanhope Trail Races – ½ marathon and 10k
Greener Miles Running organise trail races that aim to take you away from urban centres into the open, rural landscapes of the northeast. These two races start and finish in Stanhope, County Durham on the edge of the Pennines and use hardpacked gravel shooting tracks, sheep trods, and muddy woodland trails. Whilst personal best times are unlikely, you can be assured of spectacular views and the organiser’s careful consideration of the environment, wildlife conservation and the interests of the local economy.
David Allen took on the ½ marathon distance which required entrants to carry a waterproof jacket, emergency snack, a hat and gloves in addition to a foil blanket and phone that the 10k competitors had to carry. Fortunately, there were favourable conditions on one of the warmest days of the year so far. David finished in 2.15.08 in 15th position, third in the M40-49 category. Great result David.
Sunday 13 March
Sundancer 10k – South Shields
This 10k race organised by South Shields Harriers boasts scenic coastal views starting at the Sand Dancer pub in South Shields and finishing around one of the few surviving imperial running tracks in the UK. The participants tackled the undulating, multi terrain course in bright and but very breezy conditions, resulting in overall times being around a minute slower than last year. Mike Russell finished in 40.59 in 13th position (2ndM 50), delighted to beat South Shields F55 legend Jackie Murdy. Bella Russell took a break from ‘A’ level studies to tough it out over the windy course. She managed to finish in 47.49 and won a prize for being the first under 20 woman over the line.
A relatively quiet weekend for the Elswick crew – a sign that we’re all preparing for the Elswick Good Friday Relays on 18 April when we will be out in force either volunteering or running in our historic Easter event. Look forward to seeing everyone there to celebrate the end of Lent when sugar and chocolate consumption can resume in earnest.
https://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16576&RId=6333