Saturday 8 March
Intercounties XC final, Wollaton Park, Nottingham
It’s an honour and a great achievement to be selected to represent the North east region in the Intercounties final. Selectors look at athletes’ results in the North Easterns held in December and other cross country races like the harrier league to inform their choice of 8 athletes in each age category from under 13, under 15, under 17/20 and senior.
This year we had three Elswick athletes selected to race – Imogen Bungay, Callum Eldridge and under 13 Ayla Blight. Unfortunately, Imogen and Ayla did not finish their respective races. Ayla suffered a fall and narrowly missed injury through being trampled on. However, she was back in fine form the next day to lead her Elswick team of under 13 girls to a silver medal in the Birtley XC relays. It was Callum’s first call up to represent the region – a superb achievement given his work commitments and the months spent aboard shipping vessels as he trains to be a marine engineer. He was ran the 8km under 20 men’s race in 29.58 and came 126th. His north east team finished in 9th place. Congratulations Callum.
https://results.sporthive.com/events/7304099165435330560/races/2
Dark Skies 11 mile run at Kielder
With an ascent of 818 feet and descent of 799 feet, it’s fair to say this race is undulating. An adventure race after sun set for a maximum of 500 participants means that you have the comfort of knowing you’re not the only mad dog running around in the dark across rugged Northumberland terrain. You have to be kitted with torches, and a back pack containing 500ml of water, bibby bag, etc. but your weighted journey is eased by the sight of the twinkling stars above.
Paul Taylor and Joanne Webber were amongst the field of adventure runners and both had a lovely time. They suggest it could be a good one for the club championship in 2026. Lots of drinks and cakes available after the event make it a sociable affair. What do you think Captains?!! Apparently, it doesn’t sell out like the Pier to Pier and Blyth 10km.
Paul finished 8th overall in a time of 1.22 and he was third M40. Joanne was 56th ( 16th woman) in a time of 1.41. Like Paul, she was third in her category (F50 – yes really, she is 50). All in all – a great way to spend a very warm Saturday night in early spring.
https://www.trailoutlaws.com/event_results/dark-skies-kielder-11-results-2025
Park Run Tourism – Oosterhout Park Run, Netherlands
I don’t think it’s really allowed to include Park Run in our race reports, but I’m going to make an exception this week as Ben’s away on a jolly and it was International Women’s Day on 8 March. To mark the occasion, Rachel Dodds popped across the North Sea to do an international Park Run. She was first woman across the line and was rewarded with, what else, a tulip.
Lynne Michelson also travelled abroad for a Park Run – to Wales no less. Staying in Caernarfon, Lynne organised mini buses to transport herself and travel companions to Barmouth, an hour away by road. True dedication to the cause. Well done Lynne. I hope you were rewarded with a leek or perhaps a daffodil.
Sunday 9 March 2025
Brough Law fell race
Oh how I would love to have a go at this 8km race, described as a great introduction to fell running. Organised by our very own Mike Steven, it is a popular and friendly event set in the beautiful Northumberland national park countryside. James Sunley is a regular in this race, and participated yet again this year. As I write, the results are not yet available, but I will update this report when I can.
https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races/af0e2d5a-8557-46ee-8dc1-edf01f18356d