Monday 18th July 2022
NEMAA Track and Field Match 4 @ Monkton
On a very warm evening with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees during the day, our athletes of Louise Allen, Melissa Bateson, Arabella Pearce, Simon Allen and Daniel Nettle did very well on managing the heat to perform so well on the tartan track.
Here is what Arabella had to say about the event:
“I’ve been meaning to give the NEMAA events a go for years now and what better evening to pick for my debut? Amber weather warnings and temperatures in the 30s. I’d entered the mile and the 800m. I felt like I was breathing in cactus filled desert air for the whole of the mile. I’ve never experienced anything like it! Still, managed to get round in 6.19 and finish 1st V50.
After a massive coughing fit, I managed to finish the 800m in 2.57 and again finish 1st V50. Definitely need more track experience and can’t wait to see how fast I can go on a cooler day.
The event was incredibly well organised. Highly recommended!”
200m
Heat 5 field size 7
6th Louise Allen 0.33s & 1st v50 female on the night
800m
Heat 2 field size 10
9th Melissa Bateson 3.27 & 3rd v50 female on the night
Heat 3 field size 8
5th Arabella Pearce 2.57 & 1st v50 female on the night
Heat 4 field size 8
3rd Daniel Nettle 2.43 & 3rd v50 male on the night
1 mile
Heat 2 field size 14
12th Melissa Bateson 7.02 & 4th v50 female on the night
Heat 3 field size 15
12th Arabella Pearce 6.19 & 1st v50 female on the night
Heat 4 field size 14
3rd Simon Allen 5.36 & 3rd v55 male on the night
6th Daniel Nettle 5.52 & 2nd v50 male on the night
http://harrierleague.com/tandf/nemaa2022/meeting4/results.htm
Wednesday 20th July 2022
NECCA – North East Grand Prix 5th fixture @ Monkton
Imogen and former/current Elswick runner Judith Nutts ran the 1500m at Monkton Stadium on Wednesday evening. Lovely running weather for a change, with a PB for Imogen finishing in 6 minutes. Great running ladies.
1500m
Heat 5 field size 14
14th Judith Nutt 5.36
Heat 6 field size 15
13th Imogen King 6.00 and new pb
http://harrierleague.com/tandf/negp2022/meeting5/results.htm
Wednesday 20th July 2022
Beacon Hill Fell Race
This year saw the running of a new route which is organised by Northumberland Fell Runners. The race is a 6.5 mile route with approx. 1350 ft of climb across the crags of the Simonside Hills near Rothbury in Northumberland.
Field size 42
23rd Peter Dawson 1.03.19
http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.co.uk/html/raceresults/2022/Beacon_Hill_race_results_2022.pdf
Thursday 21st July 2022
Sunderland 5k @ Silksworth
Elbows at the ready for the 6th race of the Elswick Harriers club championships which came at the course with that very fast downhill first mile before completing 2 loops, 1 small, 1 big. Each lap does include a little cheeky short sharp incline which on the 2nd lap does seem to hit you for a few strides afterwards. Love the narrow section through the trees and over the bridge leading to the finish line, not great if your boxed in but its fast.
Both races also incorporated the Northern Championships and Northern Championships team races for men and women (teams of 3) which ran on night with perfect running conditions.
Congratulations to Imogen Bungay and Felicity Smith who claimed bronze medals in their age categories whilst Eden Ratcliffe ran a 5k pb of 22.34. Great race experience for Eden who continues to improve which it just rewards when a runner works hard at and away from the club.
Such a strong men’s field with 164 runners achieving sub 20 out of 202 starters. 3 of our Elswick gents achieved phenomenal pbs including Lewis Liddle on his birthday running 15.29. Daniel Spoor who fought of a last-ditch surge from Scott Brady both achieved pbs of 17.08 and 17.09 respectively.
Lewis messaged to say the following “I was really happy to run a New PB Last night of 15:29 on my 21st birthday 4 weeks back from my season break I ran this event last year in 16:06 so very happy to take another step forward, but more to come!”
Here are the the thoughts of Daniel Spoor and Eden Ratcliffe:
“Last Thursday we headed to Sunderland for what would turn out to be a very fast paced 5k. In the men’s race there were over 200 runners raring to go at the start line. We stood waiting for the whistle packed like sardines. With the majority of the 1st kilometre being all downhill it made for a rapid start to the race. 2 loops followed to a slightly uphill finish but it was a very quick course. My time of 17:08 was a PB so I was very pleased with how it went. I had collected both mine and Eden’s numbers before the start of the race. About 2 minutes before the start of the men’s race I had Felicity run up to me saying that Eden had been disqualified for running with the wrong number! In a panic that I was about to start the race with the wrong number but with so little time I decided to just run the race and see what happened after. After finishing the race it turns out that we both had the correct numbers but they had entered Eden’s number from the men’s race. After an apology from one of the officials they amended her number and she was included in the Woman’s results. She finished with an excellent time of 22:34 which was also a PB. After watching the Women’s race and seeing the results of the rest of the men in this race it looked like a very fast and successful night for Team Elswick”
Women’s Race 1 field size 64
5th Imogen Bungay 18.48 and 3rd female senior
14th Felicity Smith 19.34 and 3rd female v40
44th Eden Ratcliffe 22.34 and a new pb
https://www.ukresults.net/2022/sund5k1.html
Senior men and all vet men’s Race 2 field size 202
19th Lewis Liddle 15.29 and a new pb
81st Daniel Spoor 17.08 and a new pb
84th Scott Brady 17.09 and a new pb
108th Steven Robertson 17.46
127th Richard Houghton 18.27
174th Robert Lambert 20.45
176th Peter Sloan 20.52
191st David Bungay 23.34
https://www.ukresults.net/2022/sund5k2.html
Friday 22nd July 2022
Newcastle Frontrunners LGBT 5k located on the Town Moor
Field size 391
6th Imogen Bungay 18.49 and first female
39th Micky Shore 21.37
https://www.ukresults.net/2022/nfr5k.html
Sunday 24th July 2022
Northumberland Coastal Run hosted by Alnwick Harriers
Stunning coastal run that passes Dunstanburgh Castle which starts on the beach at Beadnell and finishing on the beach at Alnmouth.
Excellent strong shift by Judith Nutt running into a constant strong head wind with it also being red hot. Amazing to see she took gold finishing as 1st female on the day, such a good role model!
Paul Taylor and his wife Kate took time out to write the following words:
“This was one of the first runs I did when I started running back in 2016. After missing 2019 due to tonsillitis and then having my 2020 place deferred twice I was looking forward to running this route again. There was a bit of a change to the route due to the national trust not allowing access to a section of beach. This meant we started by running north back towards beadnell before passing through the car park and on to the coastal path. That’s where we were hit with the wind… and it was a strong 20mph+ headwind and with temperatures of around 23c it was a tough run to Alnmouth. 14.2 miles of trails, sand and some roads. I forgot how difficult running on sand can be so tried to put the effort in on the trial and road sections. It all made for a tough days running but the scenery on route definitely helped pass the miles. The route measured a full mile further than the last time running this race. We were rewarded with a backpack, water bottle and t-shirt for all finishers. One of the best most picturesque runs out there and well organised by Alnwick harriers”
And now for Kate’s few words
“When asked about the Northumberland coastal run the first two words that came to mind were beautiful and tough. The Northumberland coastline did not disappoint with the views but the constant headwind made it one of the toughest challenges I’ve undertaken. It was my first attempt at this run and although I expected it to be hard, the varying terrain and the last two miles on sand and boulders made for a tough finish. However the reward at the end was knowing I had completed the challenge and a nice new running t-shirt and bag”
Field size 781
43rd Judith Nutt 1.45.40 and 1st overall female
91st Paul Taylor 1.54.42
403rd Andy Middleton 2.26.58
560th David Hodgson 2.43.25
692nd Jackie Avery 3.06.13
743rd Kate Taylor 3.19.57
779th Jeffrey Emmerson 3.55.37
http://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16576&RId=6223
Sunday 24th July 2022
Original Outlaw Ironman @ National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham
Since first launching in 2010, the original Outlaw Triathlon has won numerous awards and has grown into one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance triathlons. As well as being a very accessible course, with the start, swim, transition and much of the run (including the finish) conveniently located at the National Water Sports Centre, it’s also a fast course that is ideal for targeting new personal best times!
Here is Mike talking about the whole experience:
“Based around the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, 4 miles to the west of Nottingham, the Outlaw Triathlon is, together with Ironman Bolton, the largest ‘full’ or ‘Ironman’ distance event in the UK with around 800 competitors. It comprises a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon. If you’ve ever wondered, the distances come from three existing Hawaiian races being combined to form the very first ‘Ironman’ race in the 1970’s; a race ostensibly between friends to prove who was the fittest – swimmers, cyclists or runners.
As Andrea will testify these events also entail around 6 hours of pre-race faffing – the time dedicated to (things like) what to wear and when, what gels to eat, what to drink and when, what to carry on the bike, what pressure to put in your tyres, what to put in which of the 3 bags you have to check in, etc. etc.
Whilst the original intention had been to compete in this year’s iconic Challenge Roth triathlon near Nuremburg, the uncertainties around international events led me and my pal, Rich Winter, to take on the Outlaw.
Consistent with other big, full distance triathlons, registration is completed on the Saturday with the event being on the Sunday. With a 6am race start, Saturday registration is a must! This creates a great buzz around the event for the weekend and also enables the organisers to put on swimming races and kids running races; at Outlaw, the junior races consisted of 1.2 mile and 2.4 mile run. Bella and George enjoyed the junior races on the Saturday, Bella being first girl home and George completing his 2.4 miles in around 18 minutes.
On the Sunday it was early 3.40am alarm call in our central Nottingham hotel. Out by 4.15am we arrived at Holme Pierrepont at c. 4.30am leaving plenty of time to drop our 3 bags off in 2 different tents, complete a last minute trip to the loo and jump in the lake 5 mins prior to the start. Unfortunately there was some heavy rain on arrival and the wind was already picking up.
The swim was straightforward – up and down the 2000m long competition rowing lake with an exit straight into transition part way up the southern side. The water was warm but with zero visibility, a little disconcerting. Contrary to last year and to Ironman events, Outlaw decided to make the event a mass start – can’t say I’m a fan. With 800 swimmers all converging on a route around 10m wide it makes for something of an unavoidable punch-up for the first few hundred metres.
Rich had a great swim as usual and came out in 1.07, I was out in 1.21, a PB for me.
A quick transition had us out on the bike and we completed a lap of the lakeside road out of the centre. Although the rain had stopped, there were still a few puddles lying around. After 10miles or so Rich hit a wet patch on a roundabout and went down, suffering a bad case of road rash as he slid across the carriageway, but very fortunately, with nothing broken he decided to carry on until he found an opportunity to clean up.
The bike course was relatively flat and consisted of a ride out to then take on one southern loop, one northern loop and then another southern loop, each c. 30miles. The southern loop was around several small villages on quiet, mainly-flat albeit uneven roads and the organisers/council doing a great job of managing traffic flow to give us priority at junctions. The strong south-westerly wind was now around 20-25mph and made for hard work at times. My 5-mile splits were already proving to be erratic to say the least; from 12mins to 18mins.
Being unable to go down on his triathlon aero handlebars (due to his injuries) Rich wisely decided to retire at the end of the southern lap. A real shame given all the incredible effort in the run up but he’ll be back and his injuries were minor relative to what could have happened. He kindly redirected his efforts to cheering us all on.
The northern loop was on busier roads and made for a more nervy experience. It also included the only real climb on the course and got me in the small front ring for the only time in the race. Split times were again varied as the wind blew and the temperatures reached mid 20’s. In the conditions, I reset myself a target of averaging 20mph and finishing the bike in just over 5 1/2 hours. Andrea and the kids had positioned themselves at a garden centre in between the two loops and it was brilliant to catch a fleeting wave as I went past at around 24mph. The mental boost of them whooping and waving couldn’t be over estimated.
The second southern loop was a lonely affair and having already being on the road for over 4 hours, really hard work. The mind does odd things in an Ironman and, oddly, I found myself really looking forward to running a marathon – just get me off this bike! Seeing the family for the last time meant I only had 10miles or so left on the bike and my spirits were on the up – I’d pushed on and my 20mph average was on.
Boosted by some strong triathlon runs earlier in the season (I’d managed a very hilly 1.45 half in a triathlon in the lakes) I’d hoped to emulate Mark Turnbull’s incredible 3.30 marathon in the Bolton Ironman and I actually completed the first 10k on around 3.20 pace! I was feeling strong and was climbing my way through the field. Unfortunately, the decline came rapidly, my legs started to really tie up after 15k or so and even though I was running with the still-strong wind behind I was slowing rapidly and my progress through the field stalled. The run consisted of two large laps into the centre of Nottingham and one small one back around the lake. Seeing Andrea, kids and, by now, patched-up Rich and his wife Rona again provided a great boost a couple of times each lap. Bella also kindly joined me for a 5k loop.
Contrary to Ironman, the Outlaw organisers let you have a couple of members of your family join you on the finish carpet/line and it really was this prospect of George and Bella joining me that kept me going over the last painful 10k. I think the wind and hot conditions had taken their toll and I’d probably got the balance wrong on this occasion – I’d worked too hard on the bike leaving me literally running on empty after 10 miles of so the marathon.
Whilst I’d hoped to go quicker, especially on the run, I was delighted to finish in one piece. I’d finished the marathon in 4.21 giving me a total time of 11.29, 11th out of 80 in the V50 category and 142 out of 701 finishers. Around 70 did not finish, another reflection of the conditions.
An amazing memory to treasure – running down the finishing line with George and Bella after (this year) a total of: 1399 miles of riding, 944 miles of running and 120,000 yards of swimming.
Distance: 2.4m swim, 112m bike, 26.2m run
Field size 698
139th Mike Russell 11.29.31 and 11th male 50-54
Swim – 1.21.17
T1 – 5.34
Bike – 5.37.19
T2 – 3.27
Run – 4.21.54
Results Base – Outlaw Triathlon 2022
