Saturday 3 May
British Masters National Road Relay Championship – Mallory Park, Leicestershire
As we enjoyed it so much last year, we decided to head back to Mallory Park motor circuit to take part in this open Masters’ event. We had two teams – Simon Allen, Martin Connelly and Mike Russell entered in the V55- 64 race and Jude Nutt, Andrea Banner and Justina Heslop in the V45- 54 race.
The race route remained unchanged for the relays – a 5km route along the race circuit starting anti-clockwise past a lake, doubling back and then up and over a bridge, a second u-turn, back over the bridge for the final 500m into the centre of the race track. The venue was much busier on account of the 50km and 100km masters’ races occurring at the same time, which increased the number of participants and spectators.
Simon had a very strong run completing his leg in 18.37 – he was delighted. Martin Connelly was also pleased with his second leg time of 19.45 – his bacon and egg sandwich breakfast on the journey south obviously setting him up well. Mike finished the men’s race in a time of 19.20. With a cumulative time of 57.43, the team managed to retain the position they held last year – a very respectable 7th position in a very competitive field. Brighton Phoenix were the winners in a time of 54.17, Leeds City Athletic were second in 54.40 and Bristol and West AC were third in 54.50
An hour later, it was time for the women’s race. Like the men’s race earlier, there were two age category races occurring together. Jude took first leg and was up against competitors in the V35-44 age group as well as the V45 – 54 category. As always, she ran with composure and finished her leg in third position behind Aldershot and Macclesfield in a time of 20.12. Andrea took on the second leg (21.41) with precise instructions from Martin and Jude as to the length of the lead held by the Macclesfield runner. Just over half way through the leg, we took second place, handing over to Justina Heslop who was around 2 minutes 15 seconds behind the Aldershot runner. With less than 2km to go, Aldershot were clinging to the lead. Martin had already decided that we had won the race and said as much to the Aldershot coach, Mike Gratton ( 3 times Commonwealth Games marathoner and winner of the London Marathon in 1983). Justina disappeared to the next u-turn and when she returned, she was firmly in the lead . It was a foregone conclusion that she would cross the line first.
Having created a very comfortable lead, Justina politely slowed her pace as she approached the line, allowing Archie Jenkins time to get the finishing tape into position. Her astonishing leg was run in a time of 17.59 and secured the title for the second year (total time of 59.52). Aldershot Farnham and District were second (time not confirmed), and Macclesfield Harriers were third in 1.04.59.
It’s a very well organized and friendly event on a super running surface. There are two inclines to navigate and the openness of the circuit means it is susceptible to the wind, but apart from that, it’s a great course to run. So next year we hope to enter more teams.
Sunday 5 May
Run Through Newcastle Gateshead Marathon, ½ Marathon and 10km races, incorporating the NECAA Marathon championship and 10k
Starting and finishing at Gateshead Stadium, this run festival is growing in popularity with 414 marathoners, 890 ½ marathoners and 713 in the 10km race.
In the Marathon, we had three high class performances. David Allan finished in 3.23 and was 11th in the V40 category, 63rd male. Sean Mennim finished in 3.07 and was 14th senior male. Gary Young, who obtained his race number only a few weeks ago, demonstrated how much his running has improved over the last year. He finished in 2.55 and was 11th male runner and second V45 male. Not only that, he was first in the NECAA championship. David Wiseman of Sunderland Strollers (13th overall) was second ranked NECAA runner in 2.57 and Crook’s Peter Clough was the bronze medallist in 3.04. Congratulations Gary on achieving a gold NECAA medal so early in your competitive running career.
In the 10km race, we had two very impressive performances from our V65 runners. Mike Steven finished 141st in 50.48 and was placed second in the V65 category. David Walton’s time of 45.12 meant he finished in 55th place and was the first V65 runner. Now that would be quite a relay team at the BMAF event at Mallory, if we can secure a third V65 runner!
Another runner who has made massive progress since joining the club, Lisa Allan ran a time of 57.21 and was 11th in the V40 category. Presumably she ran a few more miles on the day whilst spectating husband Dave in the marathon.
Congratulations to all our runners at Newcastle – Gateshead. Running loops around the hidden streets adjacent to the Gateshead Quayside is tough going and takes a lot of mental strength to maintain your motivation and momentum. Well done.
Cardiff 5km
Having run so well at the Northern Athletics 6 stage relay a few weeks ago, Sophie Pickett was selected to represent the north in an intercounty 5km competition, incorporated into the Cardiff 5km.
Sophie ran a pb – a time of 16 minutes 12 seconds, which gained her third place overall, only ten seconds behind the winner for which she was rewarded with a generous cash prize. Her performance was also recognized as the fastest by a Welsh runner (Sophie has represented Wales in international competitions). The Northern Athletics senior female team were placed second which meant that Sophie bagged a first, second and third place in a single race! A long journey to Cardiff, but well worth it. Congratulations to Sophie and the other north east athletes who competed at the Cardiff 5km as repsrentatives of Northern Athletics.
Fair to say, there was something for everyone this weekend – from the Park Run at Tyne Green, Hexham, track session at Wentworth Leisure, Hexham, Masters’ relays, local 10km to Marathon races and championship events. Great work to all our Elswick Harriers who were out and about running this Bank Holiday weekend.