Race Round-up – Monday 10 – Sunday 16 July 2023
Wednesday 12 July – Run Nation Stamfordham 10km
Another mid-week race starting and finishing in the pretty village of Stamfordham., taking in the equally attractive Dalton and Dissington along the way. Undulations (steady inclines according to the organisers) abound in this Northumberland 10km course, but competitors are treated to 1km downhill to the finish line.
Another victory for Luke Hilliard in an impressive time of 34.58. Taking a break from the fells, Mike Steven was second V65 in 48.54 (29th overall), and Elswick stalwart Jeff Emmerson finished in 85th place in a time of 66.42. Great to see our athletes making the most of the array of summer evening races.
Friday 14 July – Durham City Run Festival 10km
Organised by Steve Cramm’s company Events of the North in conjunction with Durham University and County Council, this 10km plus 5km has become an annual fixture in the race calendar. The festival includes a range of events including Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track, the Run Like a Legend timed mile (which was led by Aly Dixon), XO Durham (an urban orienteering team event), plus themed runs.
Our sole representative was Imogen Bungay in the 10km. There were horrendous downpours of rain throughout the race so the conditions were not favourable. However, Imogen battled it out and finished in a time of 39.55 and was second female to first placed Durham Harriers runner Charlotte Dillon. A brave effort indeed.
Saturday 15 July 2023
Newcastle Park Run – Town Moor/Exhibition Park
We don’t usually report on Park Runs unless it’s a club social or championship race. However, this week’s event was worthy of mention owing to a trophy being awarded to our very own Bella Pearce (Arnott) being declared the female participant of the year. Given the regularity of her appearances at the Newcastle Park Run, she was a very deserving recipient. Without avid supporters of the Park Run like Bella, this international institution would not exist and thrive.
Ultra 55, Derwentaugh Park, Blaydon
This is the most convenient and local ultra race for folk in our area of Newcastle/Gateshead/Northumberland. It’s a 55 mile ultra-marathon starting and finishing within Derwentaugh Park, taking in famous landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge, 9 arches viaduct, Hadrian’s Way, Wylam’s Wagonway and Derwent Walk.
Heather has been running for several years before joining Elswick in 2022, but this was her biggest running challenge to date. Scheduling time for training is tough as Heather works long shifts as a chef. She did incredibly well in spite of her busy work life. She commented modestly, “I struggled! Hills and then a bad knee and foot killed me off a bit. But I managed to get in under the six hours – 5.57.09 and 10th female, so not all bad! The winning time was 4.40 – super speedy. All in all, a good day.”
Sounds pretty impressive to me. Just staying on your feet for that length of time is hard enough, but having to move at a decent pace, maintain your fuel and liquid intake and overcome aching limbs and joints is a tough undertaking. Congratulations to Heather and look forward to seeing you more manageable distances.