Not a very busy week for racing, but there were some outstanding performances from members nevertheless.
Sunday 4th December – Run Durham Dalton Park Winter 10K saw Eden Ratcliffe outdo herself with not only a 10k PB, but she was also first female home.
Eden was ably assisted by Daniel Spoor pacing and enouraging her all the way. Great work both of you!
| Pos | Name | Club | Race number | Gender | Gender pos | Category | Category pos | Gun Time | Chip Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Eden Ratcliffe | Elswick Harriers | 598 | Female | 1 | Senior Ladies | 1 | 00:48:39 | 00:48:31 |
| 22 | Daniel Spoor | Elswick Harriers | 616 | Male | 21 | Senior Men | 13 | 00:48:40 | 00:48:32 |
Same day same venue – Sunday 4th December – Run Durham Dalton Park Winter 5K.
It’s obviously a good place for Elswick women to run; Felicity Smith stormed across the line as overall winner in this one. She took the gold 6 seconds ahead of her nearest rival from Sunderland Strollers, and 1 minute 44 secs ahead of the third place runner who was 1st male (Allen Valley Striders). Superb result Felicity, well done 🙂
| Pos | Name | Club | Race number | Gender | Gender pos | Category | Category pos | Gun Time | Chip Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felicity Smith | Elswick Harriers | 908 | Female | 1 | 45-49 | 1 | 00:21:57 | 00:21:56 |
Rocking the lone Elswick vest at Herrington Park, Sunderland, was Joanne Webber. She aced the 10k distance in Saturn Running’s Buddy’s Big Bobble Bimble – North East (how do they come up with these names?). This race is a “pick your distance” affair where even completing only one lap counts as a successful finish. An upper time limit of 7 hours means that even 50km or further is possible for those who want to do it.
Joanne completed 10.21km in 51:23, running with her nephew Chris Todd, and they finished 1st female and 1st male at that distance.
Great work, Joanne.
Another race of the day was the 62nd Blyth Sands Race (hosted by Blyth Running Club), which has an interesting history, as well as an unusual handicap system.
It started out in 1959 as a contest between BRC and the local rowing club, with the rowers being given a headstart.
A number of years on this has evolved to have a handicap based on age and gender, which means anyone has the chance to win overall.
Runners also have to contend with the 4 groynes (piers that run down the beach well below the waterline), a couple of pipes, and various people and dogs out for a stroll.
It was a very windy morning on Blyth beach and one or two of our select band of intrepid runners were questioning why they were only in their Elswick vests with no base layer like most of the other competitors – it was cold!!!
However, it turned out to be okay because Harry Matthews came along to spectate, cheer everyone, and more importantly, hold the coats at the start/finish line.
It was quite eventful, Andrea missed her start time by 45 seconds, setting off late but really pulling lots of places back. And Lee has vowed never to run it again (until next time!)
Elswick was pipped at the post for third place by Elvet Striders, but we did have a good showing at an event we’ve got a good history at.
The conditions running on the sand and having to contend with very strong side winds made this not an easy race – but it’s definitely a good one.
| Race Time | Position | Name | Handicap | Actual time |
| 31:43 | 10 | Mark Turnbull | 04:00 | 35:43 |
| 32:57 | 17 | Mike Russell | 04:00 | 36:57 |
| 35:06 | 33 | Andrea Banner | 09:00 | 44:06 |
| 35:37 | 37 | Simon Allen | 05:00 | 40:37 |
| 38:15 | 72 | Mike Steven | 09:00 | 47:15 |
| 39:45 | 88 | Kim Matthews | 12:00 | 51:45 |
| 42:21 | 109 | Lee Coulson | 03:00 | 45:21 |
